Over 128,000 people have already paid their final respects to the late Pope Francis at St Peter’s Basilica, according to the Vatican.
The church extended its opening hours into the night for a second consecutive evening from Thursday into Friday, allowing mourners in the queue more time to pay tribute. The basilica was only closed from 02:30 for three hours. Large crowds are expected again on Friday to enter the basilica.
After the last visitors, the coffin will be sealed at 20:00 during a ceremony led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. As camerlengo, he oversees practical matters until a new pope is elected. The funeral is set for Saturday in St Peter’s Square, with the burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The coffin will be transported to Santa Maria Maggiore at a walking pace. Pope Francis expressed a desire to be buried there. His tomb will simply bear the name "Francis," with a reproduction of his pectoral cross displayed on the wall. The stone used comes from Liguria, the birthplace of the Pope’s great-grandfather. The public can visit the grave from Sunday morning.
It is not yet known when the cardinals will elect a new pope. The conclave must begin between fifteen to twenty days following a pope’s death. The 88-year-old Pope Francis passed away on Monday.
