The transfer of Pope Francis' coffin from St Peter's Basilica to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where the late pontiff wished to be buried during his lifetime, has begun.

The White Popemobile is carrying the Pope's body, now outside the Vatican.

The funeral service in St. Peter's Square lasted 2 hours and 10 minutes, with reports from the Vatican saying some 250,000 people watched the ceremony, including a number of world leaders.

"Santa Maria Maggiore is located about 6 km. from the Vatican. Officials said the procession would move at a walking pace, allowing the thousands of mourners on the streets of Rome a last glimpse of the coffin.

The procession will take the Pope's body past various historic sites, including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, before reaching Francis' final resting place.

The last leg of the route will pass along a wide green street leading to the basilica, which is located outside the Vatican walls, on the other side of Rome's Tiber River.

The funeral will not be broadcast live, but from April 27 the basilica will be open to visitors. | BGNES