John Paul I's tomb in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, resting place of 148 popes from St. Peter to John Paul II at the Vatican on October 2003. This is the place where Pope Benedict XVI will rest in peace after his passing . From Apostle Peter to John Paul II, 148 popes are resting in the vaults located under the basilica. One accesses the Vatican Grotto using small winding stairs located under the cupola. One immediately stumbles on the monumental tomb built for Saint Peter in the 17th century with the niche which holds the palliums given to the newly elected metropolitan bishops. Near St. Peter rest Popes and sovereigns for whom several cenotaphs have been erected inside the basilica. The Vatican Grotto has been described as a 'summary of European history from the origins to our day'. The most ancient tomb (one the public can see) is that of Emperor Othon II who died in Rome in 983, at the age of 28. As for more recent tombs, they include the unadorned tomb of Pope Paul VI, the grey marble tomb of Pope John Paul I — whose pontificate lasted only 33 days — with its pair or Renaissance angels. Paul VI and John Paul I died two months apart in 1978. Two of the most visited tomb long was those of Pope John XXIII and John Paul II. Recently both were transferred inside the basilica proper. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM