Pope Francis begins lying in state at St Peter's Basilica

Open casket, low altar reflect Pope’s humility in farewell rites

Pope Francis’ casket was placed at the center of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday (local time), where it will remain open to the public for three days of mourning. The Vatican announced that the late pontiff, who died at his residence at Casa Santa Marta, was accompanied by a Latin hymn repeating one of his most beloved phrases: “Pray for us.” Public visitation began at 11 a.m., with crowds forming long lines both inside and outside the Vatican…

Pope Francis' Body Paraded Through Vatican | Emotional Worshippers Flock For Final Tribute

The Vatican opened its gates to allow worshippers for a glimpse of Pope Francis' mortal remains. In solemn reverence, his body was paraded through the heart of the Holy See, as thousands gathered, many in tears, for a heartfelt tribute to the spiritual giant who transformed the modern Catholic Church. WATCH

Catholic faithful pay their final respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica

VATICAN CITY -- Thousands of people filed through the central aisle of St. Peter's Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday, the start of three days of public viewing ahead of the pontiff's funeral.

In pictures: Prayers and tears as body of Pope Francis moved to St Peter's Basilica

Large crowds gathered in St Peter's Square as the body of Pope Francis was carried in a coffin to St Peter's Basilica for three days of mourning.

Pope Francis' Body Lies in State, Open to Public Viewing at the Vatican

Pope Francis’ body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Wednesday, April 23, allowing mourners to pay their final respects. The late pope, who died Monday, April 21, will lie in state in an open casket for the next few days until his funeral is held on Saturday, April 26. The Vatican confirmed that over 20,000 gathered at St. Peter’s Square to watch the pope’s coffin being transported from his residence at Casa Santa Marta t…

Pope Francis's body taken in procession to St. Peter's Basilica for lying in state

Pope Francis's body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday to allow Catholic faithful to pay their final respects ahead of a funeral expected to bring U.S. President Donald Trump and dozens of other world leaders to Rome.