Body of Pope Francis has been carried to St. Peter’s Basilica in an open casket on Wednesday, allowing the Catholic faithful to pay their respects.
Gatekeepers News reports that the pontiff died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure.
The procession to the basilica was attended by thousands of mourners, who watched as the casket was escorted by solemn cardinals, prelates, and Swiss Guards. A choir chanted as the procession made its way slowly through the archway gates, and the bells of St. Peter’s rang out.
The basilica will be open to the public for three days, allowing tens of thousands of people to pass through and pay their respects to the late Pope. The public mourning period will end at 7 pm on Friday, and Francis’ funeral is scheduled to be held on Saturday at 10 am in St. Peter’s Square.
Global leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
After the funeral, there will be nine days of official mourning, known as “novendiali.”
Police have tightened security around the Vatican, with officers carrying out foot and horse patrols.
