Pope Francis’s body has been transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. The ritual ceremony was performed by Catholic cardinals, where he will lie in state for the Catholic faithful to pay their respects to the Argentine pontiff.
According to the report by Associated Press (AP) Pope Francis’s body was transferred from his home in the Vatican hotel to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public viewing
The three days of public viewing are largely for ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.
The procession included solemn cardinals, prelates and Swiss Guards escorting the pontiff to where he will lie in state.
A choir chanted as the cardinals processed slowly through the archway gates leading out into the piazza.
What to know:
Public viewing: Francis’ casket is being transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for the public viewing. The basilica will be kept open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday to allow the faithful to mourn. The public mourning period will end on Friday at 7 p.m. local time.
Francis’ funeral: The funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square and will be attended by leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Francis’ burial site: In his final will, Francis confirmed he would be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, which is outside the Vatican and home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary.
The next pope: Eligible cardinals will vote for a papal successor in the Sistine Chapel via a process known as “the conclave.” The cardinals haven’t set a date for the conclave to elect Francis’ successor, but the current norms suggest it couldn’t begin before May 5.