On Wednesday morning, the first faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to pay their final respects to the late Pope Francis.
The initial attendees were admitted to the square shortly after 07:30. At 09:00, a small procession was planned to escort the Pope’s body from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Square, and then into the basilica.
From 11:00, the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica were opened to the public. Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, will lie in state there until Friday.
A major funeral service is scheduled for Saturday morning, attended by heads of state from around the world. Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, King Philippe, and Queen Mathilde are among those expected to attend the funeral.
