{"id":11530,"date":"2025-04-23T18:34:42","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T18:34:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=11530"},"modified":"2025-04-23T18:34:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T18:34:42","slug":"the-world-says-goodbye-to-pope-francis-emotional-faithful-enter-st-peters-basilica-as-the-pontiffs-body-is-placed-on-display-for-three-days-of-mourning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=11530","title":{"rendered":"The world says goodbye to Pope Francis: Emotional faithful enter St Peter\u2019s Basilica as the pontiff\u2019s body is placed on display for three days of mourning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The Vatican has opened St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to the public so thousands of Catholic faithful can pay their final respects to\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Pope Francis<\/span>\u00a0over the next three days.<\/p><div class=\"qvczd69fee54b05af9\" ><div style=\"width:100%; max-width:1200px; margin:0 auto;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/bolt-casino.com?r=0BFDBF1283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n    <img \n      src=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f8693ebb-2018-480f-a2f7-0096810c07f0.jpg\" \n      alt=\"200% Deposit Bonus + 10% Cashback\" \n      style=\"width:100%; height:auto; display:block; border-radius:8px; cursor:pointer;\"\n    \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 1201px) {\r\n.qvczd69fee54b05af9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) {\r\n.qvczd69fee54b05af9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) {\r\n.qvczd69fee54b05af9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) {\r\n.qvczd69fee54b05af9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {\r\n.qvczd69fee54b05af9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Flocks of mourners are filling the central aisle of the basilica this morning, with\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Swiss Guards standing at attention<\/span>, to see Francis\u2019 body lying in state, with around 20,000 mourners queuing the square outside.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">His simple wooden coffin has been positioned low to the ground at his request, breaking with the Vatican\u2019s long-standing tradition of placing popes on an elevated catafalque. The first members of the public have now begun filing past the coffin, some crossing themselves or pausing briefly in prayer as they pay their respects.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The public mourning period began at 11am (10am BST) today after the pontiff\u2019s casket was transported from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the basilica\u00a0this morning. Mourners, including nuns and the ordinary faithful, wept as the coffin of the late pontiff was moved through the huge crowd in a solemn processional.\u00a0As the coffin crossed St. Peter\u2019s Square, the crowd broke into repeated applause \u2013 a traditional Italian sign of respect at such events.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Red-hatted cardinals, priests, candle-carrying friars and helmeted Swiss Guards walked slowly into the vast, sunlit esplanade as a male choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin while the great bells of the basilica tolled.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The body of the 88-year-old pope, who died in his rooms at the Santa Marta guesthouse after suffering a stroke on\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Easter<\/span>\u00a0Monday, was held aloft on a wooden platform by 14 white-gloved, black-suited pallbearers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Francis, who spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year being treated for double\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">pneumonia<\/span>, last appeared in public on Easter Sunday, when he surprised pilgrims by being driven around the packed square in his white, open-topped popemobile.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The procession of cardinals and bishops today brought Francis through the same piazza where he gave what became his final salute on Easter Sunday.\u00a0His body will lie in state in St. Peter\u2019s for the next three days, with\u00a0tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through. The basilica will open at 7am and close at midnight to allow as many people as possible to file past.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The final day of lying in state will end at 7pm so that St. Peter\u2019s can be prepared for his funeral Mass on Saturday which will be attended by high profile VIPs including\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Prince William<\/span>, Prime Minister Sir\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Keir Starmer<\/span>, US President\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Donald Trump<\/span>,\u00a0French President\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Emmanuel Macron<\/span>\u00a0and Ukrainian President Volodymyr\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Zelensky<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">At least 200,000 people are expected to attend the outdoor service this weekend.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-embed\">\n<div><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/56tV0CIwKps?rel=0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9d2ada890a932dec\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97592097-14638255-The_Vatican_has_opened_St_Peter_s_Basilica_to_the_public_so_thou-m-42_1745403418983.jpg\" alt=\"The Vatican has opened St. Peter's Basilica to the public so thousands of Catholic faithful can pay their final respects to Pope Francis over the next three days. Francis is pictured lying in state on Wednesday following the procession of his coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"533\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The Vatican has opened St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to the public so thousands of Catholic faithful can pay their final respects to Pope Francis over the next three days. Francis is pictured lying in state on Wednesday following the procession of his coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica in the Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-e403e93e35511796\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586599-14638255-image-a-54_1745394434905.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis is placed into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis is placed into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-adf898b7d14d2827\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586603-14638255-image-a-56_1745394486892.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-5838ebdc4666281\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587665-14638255-image-a-73_1745396198356.jpg\" alt=\"A huge crowd of mourners watch as the\u00a0body of Pope Francis is transferred to the Basilica at St. Peter's Square today\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A huge crowd of mourners watch as the\u00a0body of Pope Francis is transferred to the Basilica at St. Peter\u2019s Square today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2cca8666e6b11621\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587699-14638255-image-a-75_1745396280805.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-1995aeae0b05072a\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587105-14638255-image-a-68_1745395352571.jpg\" alt=\"A nun cries as the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A nun cries as the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-4920f2d0ee9b1f6b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588573-14638255-Cardinals_pay_their_respects_to_Pope_Francis_inside_St_Peter_s_B-a-99_1745397983455.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinals pay their respects to Pope Francis inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where his body will lie in state for three days, on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinals pay their respects to Pope Francis inside St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, where his body will lie in state for three days, on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-fa85b14abb97d713\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589467-14638255-image-a-13_1745399183745.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-56f72dc50c4bca9c\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587719-14638255-image-m-77_1745396390528.jpg\" alt=\"A woman is seen wiping her tears as the body of Pope Francis is processed through St. Peter's Square this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"871\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A woman is seen wiping her tears as the body of Pope Francis is processed through St. Peter\u2019s Square this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-c58bf21f1fa89063\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587777-14638255-A_nun_displays_the_makes_of_the_cross_and_a_tearful_woman_places-m-81_1745396677470.jpg\" alt=\"A nun displays the makes of the cross and a tearful woman places her hand over her heart as Pope Francis' coffin is processed past them in St. Peter's Square this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"653\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A nun displays the makes of the cross and a tearful woman places her hand over her heart as Pope Francis\u2019 coffin is processed past them in St. Peter\u2019s Square this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-4df92fbd9c41105d\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587615-14638255-image-a-74_1745396236008.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis has been transfer inside St. Peter's Basilica,\u00a0where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"1443\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis has been transfer inside St. Peter\u2019s Basilica,\u00a0where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-a9c36834207662e0\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587541-14638255-image-a-71_1745396102751.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other Cardinals are pictured in the Basilica during the ceremony\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other Cardinals are pictured in the Basilica during the ceremony<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-98e96a59b6b115a2\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587543-14638255-image-a-72_1745396105005.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell blesses the body of Pope Francis inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell blesses the body of Pope Francis inside St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-f05533217b03c996\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587523-14638255-image-a-69_1745395984931.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Basilica of St. Peter on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Basilica of St. Peter on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-62f95f8bf8d3299c\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591873-14638255-image-a-32_1745402951997.jpg\" alt=\"People gather in St. Peter's Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People gather in St. Peter\u2019s Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-f8fc20508e1dce86\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591817-14638255-image-a-33_1745402963833.jpg\" alt=\"People line up to see the body of Pope Francis is in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People line up to see the body of Pope Francis is in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-85da9204e14ea597\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97592861-14638255-image-a-44_1745404148213.jpg\" alt=\"Pilgrims and visitors queue at St Peter's Square to enter the St Peter's Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pilgrims and visitors queue at St Peter\u2019s Square to enter the St Peter\u2019s Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Catholic cardinals this morning performed the ritual ceremony to transfer Francis\u2019 body from his home in the Vatican hotel to St. Peter\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Vatican Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is running the Vatican administration until a new pope is elected, presided over the solemn ceremony in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Francis\u2019 casket was flanked by four Swiss Guards standing at attention.\u00a0Outside, priests carrying long candles waited to lead the procession \u2013 with Swiss Guards at their sides \u2013 into the basilica.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Pallbearers carried the simple wooden coffin on their shoulders through the Vatican\u2019s archway gates, leading out into St. Peter\u2019s Square, and passed the huge crowds of mourners.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The late pope\u2019s open wooden coffin was carried by pallbearers the 500 metres from the Casa Santa Marta, where he lived and died, behind a procession of red-robed cardinals. Swiss Guards were at their sides in their golden and blue uniforms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Mourners in the piazza watched as Francis\u2019 casket passed by\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">along the same path the pope had travelled just days before<\/span>\u00a0on Easter Sunday, in what became his final popemobile tour through the faithful.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">It was a surprise salute, which Francis decided at the last minute after being assured by his nurse he could do it despite his continued frail health from pneumonia.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-1feafa5fb254a0f0\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585761-14638255-The_Pope_s_body_will_be_brought_from_the_chapel_of_Santa_Marta_w-a-40_1745393907772.jpg\" alt=\"Catholic cardinals this morning performed the ritual ceremony to transfer Francis' body from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, where Francis lived, to St. Peter's Basilica\" width=\"962\" height=\"531\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Catholic cardinals this morning performed the ritual ceremony to transfer Francis\u2019 body from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, where Francis lived, to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-7ed95d14d6a6a545\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97590357-14638255-image-m-20_1745400604007.jpg\" alt=\"Emotional mourners weep as Pope Francis' coffin is processed through the huge crowd in St. Peter's Square this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"794\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Emotional mourners weep as Pope Francis\u2019 coffin is processed through the huge crowd in St. Peter\u2019s Square this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-94ed590fa48393f4\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589239-14638255-image-a-5_1745398846150.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis past faithful to Saint Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"634\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis past faithful to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, in Vatican City this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-fcc2d6b712611f3d\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588637-14638255-image-a-98_1745397950900.jpg\" alt=\"A nun reacts at St. Peter's Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body and its transfer to Saint Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"601\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A nun reacts at St. Peter\u2019s Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body and its transfer to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2e7ede9b10f3ccde\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586359-14638255-image-a-52_1745394196533.jpg\" alt=\"The Catholic faithful watch as Cardinals, accompanied by Swiss Guards, transport Pope Francis' coffin\u00a0into Saint Peter's Basilica this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The Catholic faithful watch as Cardinals, accompanied by Swiss Guards, transport Pope Francis\u2019 coffin\u00a0into Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-6611f6f77e250369\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586353-14638255-image-a-47_1745393929475.jpg\" alt=\"The bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled this morning as Pope Francis' body was transferred from the Vatican hotel where he lived to the basilica, escorted by a procession of solemn cardinals and Swiss Guards\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The bells of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica tolled this morning as Pope Francis\u2019 body was transferred from the Vatican hotel where he lived to the basilica, escorted by a procession of solemn cardinals and Swiss Guards<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"moduleFull mol-video\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div id=\"p-64\" class=\"news x-wide video_carousel_container\" data-track-module=\"vm-3901854659081255381^extra_wide\" data-track-selector=\"a.videoLink\" data-track-type=\"cl\" data-track-pos=\"static\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"v-3901854659081255381\" class=\"vjs-video-container vjs-fixed vjs-span-two-col news\">\n<div id=\"vjs_video_740\" class=\"video-js vjs-default-skin vjs-paused vjs-controls-enabled mol-empty-playlist mol-fe-animated-preview vjs-visually-ready vjs-user-inactive mol-fe-vjs-full-size-min\" data-opts=\"{&quot;linkBaseURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14638255\/crowds-gather-body-Pope-Francis-laying-state-Vatican.html#v-3901854659081255381&quot;,&quot;isMobile&quot;:false,&quot;original&quot;:false,&quot;duration&quot;:31000,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/videos.dailymail.co.uk\/video\/mol\/2025\/04\/23\/3901854659081255381\/1024x576_MP4_3901854659081255381.mp4&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;Syndication Exclusives&quot;,&quot;playerId&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Historic moment Pope Francis' coffin is carried through crowds&quot;,&quot;preload&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;initialVideo&quot;:true,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/13\/97597371-0-image-m-41_1745410671474.jpg&quot;,&quot;poster&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/13\/97597371-0-image-m-39_1745410667621.jpg&quot;,&quot;syndicationService&quot;:null,&quot;shortURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/mol.im\/a\/14638255#v-3901854659081255381&quot;,&quot;plugins&quot;:{&quot;social-share&quot;:{&quot;embedUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/embed\/video\/3420373.html&quot;},&quot;autoplay-next-video&quot;:{&quot;videos&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/api\/player\/3420373\/related-videos.json&quot;,&quot;countdown_time&quot;:10},&quot;ads-setup&quot;:{&quot;videoAdServerUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/pubads.g.doubleclick.net\/gampad\/ads?sz=[size]&amp;iu=%2F5765%2Fdm.video%2Fdm_video_news&amp;ciu_szs=&amp;impl=s&amp;gdfp_req=1&amp;env=vp&amp;output=xml_vast3&amp;unviewed_position_start=1&amp;url=[referrer_url]&amp;correlator=[timestamp]&quot;,&quot;adsEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;adsCancelTimeout&quot;:15000,&quot;screen&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:636,&quot;height&quot;:358}},&quot;sources&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/api\/player\/3901854659081255381\/video-sources.json&quot;},&quot;flyout&quot;:{&quot;viewportOffset&quot;:0.4,&quot;switchBack&quot;:true,&quot;forceFlyout&quot;:{&quot;active&quot;:false,&quot;muted&quot;:true,&quot;switchBack&quot;:false}},&quot;tracking&quot;:{&quot;channelShortName&quot;:&quot;news&quot;,&quot;sponsored&quot;:null,&quot;referenceId&quot;:3420373,&quot;trackingType&quot;:&quot;embedded&quot;},&quot;animated-preview&quot;:{&quot;displayName&quot;:null,&quot;frames&quot;:124,&quot;width&quot;:636,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/videos.dailymail.co.uk\/preview\/mol\/2025\/04\/23\/6015009703586281237\/636x382_JPG-SINGLE_6015009703586281237.jpg&quot;,&quot;fps&quot;:0,&quot;data-video&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/videos.dailymail.co.uk\/preview\/mol\/2025\/04\/23\/6015009703586281237\/636x382_MP4_6015009703586281237.mp4&quot;,&quot;data-frame-height&quot;:358,&quot;data-frame-width&quot;:636,&quot;height&quot;:358},&quot;related-videos&quot;:{&quot;videos&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/api\/player\/3420373\/related-videos.json&quot;,&quot;videoChannel&quot;:&quot;news&quot;,&quot;showUpNextPanel&quot;:false}},&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;3901854659081255381&quot;,&quot;descr&quot;:&quot;The Vatican has opened St. Peter's Basilica to the public so thousands of Catholic faithful can pay their final respects to Pope Francis over the next three days. Flocks of mourners are filling the central aisle of the basilica this morning, with Swiss Guards standing at attention , to see Francis' body lying in state, with around 20,000 mourners crowding the square outside.&quot;,&quot;referenceId&quot;:3420373,&quot;grapeshot&quot;:{&quot;article&quot;:{&quot;articleURL&quot;:null}}}\">\n<div class=\"vjs-title\">\n<div class=\"vjs-title-text\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"xwv-related-videos-container-4 rotator news\">\n<div>\n<ul class=\"xwv-rotator js-itemList linkro-wocc rotator-panels\">\n<li>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"link-xwv-v\" data-videoid=\"1256165685564521941\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-742bc61ed070ae0f\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587779-14638255-image-a-78_1745396584611.jpg\" alt=\"A woman reacts as the ceremony with the Pope Francis' body, who will lie in state for three days, arrives at St. Peter's Basilica\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A woman reacts as the ceremony with the Pope Francis\u2019 body, who will lie in state for three days, arrives at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-a0c822cfa2bab6c8\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97590333-14638255-image-a-21_1745400673260.jpg\" alt=\"A woman places her hand over her heart as the body of Pope Francis is carried through a huge crowd of Catholic faithful today\" width=\"962\" height=\"1443\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A woman places her hand over her heart as the body of Pope Francis is carried through a huge crowd of Catholic faithful today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-525ebcf52ab7e1a1\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585993-14638255-Twelve_pall_bearers_all_dressed_in_pale_blue_suits_carried_the_o-a-41_1745393907774.jpg\" alt=\"Twelve pall bearers, all dressed in pale blue suits, carried the open coffin at shoulder height through the square behind the Vatican and into St. Peter's Basilica\" width=\"962\" height=\"704\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Twelve pall bearers, all dressed in pale blue suits, carried the open coffin at shoulder height through the square behind the Vatican and into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-ab30a9f7af927032\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586361-14638255-image-a-48_1745394012424.jpg\" alt=\"Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square this morning to watch the ritual ceremony.\u00a0Crowds began gathering in the square just before 7am so they could be among the first to enter the basilica when the official lying in state begins at 11am\" width=\"962\" height=\"674\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter\u2019s Square this morning to watch the ritual ceremony.\u00a0Crowds began gathering in the square just before 7am so they could be among the first to enter the basilica when the official lying in state begins at 11am<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2b31dc6ca39d272c\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586605-14638255-image-a-57_1745394567591.jpg\" alt=\"Pope Francis' body passed through the crowd at the Vatican during a ceremony transporting it to St. Peter's Basilica, where the late pontiff will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pope Francis\u2019 body passed through the crowd at the Vatican during a ceremony transporting it to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, where the late pontiff will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-f10c18b776327f3b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586607-14638255-image-a-58_1745394626927.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinals pray and mourn Pope Francis as his body is\u00a0transferred to St. Peter's Basilica\u00a0from the Chapel of Santa Marta\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinals pray and mourn Pope Francis as his body is\u00a0transferred to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica\u00a0from the Chapel of Santa Marta<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2433e3f68554b5a6\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586363-14638255-image-a-51_1745394191065.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis (centre) at St. Peter's Square, entering St. Peter's Basilica, during the procession from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica today\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis (centre) at St. Peter\u2019s Square, entering St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, during the procession from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-b9fbed2cd4d0a449\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586365-14638255-image-a-49_1745394177718.jpg\" alt=\"Pope Francis' body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state for three days, this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pope Francis\u2019 body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, where he will lie in state for three days, this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8422e22df6366e8b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586367-14638255-image-a-50_1745394180857.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis passes through the crowd at the Vatican this morning during the processional\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis passes through the crowd at the Vatican this morning during the processional<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-30585b62390b5bfd\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589203-14638255-image-a-6_1745398861618.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis is placed at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis is placed at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-47c61040639d21da\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586357-14638255-image-a-53_1745394202391.jpg\" alt=\"The coffin containing the body of the late Pope Francis is carried to St. Peter's Basilica during a procession this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The coffin containing the body of the late Pope Francis is carried to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica during a procession this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-ea2256fa5df4b71a\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587477-14638255-image-a-70_1745396001769.jpg\" alt=\"The faithful gather during a procession on the day of the transfer of Pope Francis' body to St. Peter's Basilica\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The faithful gather during a procession on the day of the transfer of Pope Francis\u2019 body to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-94a370a231db01e1\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97590325-14638255-image-a-22_1745400720172.jpg\" alt=\"Nuns arriving from Spain, some from South America, chat with a policeman while waiting in line to see the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Nuns arriving from Spain, some from South America, chat with a policeman while waiting in line to see the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8e343f286cdc930a\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97587607-14638255-image-a-82_1745397296084.jpg\" alt=\"The procession with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, enters St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The procession with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, enters St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9b115354de6502be\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588207-14638255-image-a-83_1745397301175.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinals pay their respects as the body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Basilica of St. Peter today in Vatican City\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinals pay their respects as the body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Basilica of St. Peter today in Vatican City<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-975a3e653ca9d265\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588631-14638255-image-a-102_1745398036962.jpg\" alt=\"A person prays at St. Peter's Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body and its transfer to Saint Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A person prays at St. Peter\u2019s Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body and its transfer to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">An honour guard of\u00a018 Swiss Guards, dressed in their colourful red, blue and yellow uniforms and carrying ceremonial lances, lined up in front of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica just before 9am (8am BST) today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The crowds gathered in front of St. Peter\u2019s hushed as Cardinal Farrell read a prayer in Latin from Santa Marta chapel, where the Pope\u2019s coffin had been since Monday.\u00a0A choir sang as cardinals in their red cassocks and capes stood in prayer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The ceremony from inside the Santa Marta chapel was relayed on giant screens that had been erected overnight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Four ushers then wheeled the coffin from the chapel and the bell on the left-hand side of St. Peter\u2019s began it\u2019s solemn tolling at 9.10am to mark the start of the procession.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The procession was led by Cardinals, who in a few weeks will be tasked with electing a new pope when they meet for their Conclave. It\u00a0passed through the Piazza Santa Marta and the Piazza dei Protomartiri before entering St. Peter\u2019s Square through the Arch of Bells.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Twelve pall bearers, all dressed in pale blue suits, carried the open coffin at shoulder height through the square behind the Vatican and into the basilica.\u00a0As they walked, the tolling belling and Latin chanting of prayers, added to the solemn atmosphere of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Priests carrying candles also flanked the coffin and there was a further outer cohort of Swiss Guards on either side of the casket. By the time the coffin came into view, around 20,000 people had gathered in St. Peter\u2019s square, under a fierce sun with temperature already 20C.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-cb1f94fd453fd6ab\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/13\/97585763-14638255-Vatican_Camerlengo_Cardinal_Kevin_Farrell_the_man_temporarily_in-a-5_1745410931316.jpg\" alt=\"Vatican Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the man temporarily in charge of the Roman Catholic Church until the next Pope is elected, marked the start of the procession with prayer\" width=\"962\" height=\"701\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Vatican Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the man temporarily in charge of the Roman Catholic Church until the next Pope is elected, marked the start of the procession with prayer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9d5f7179471ea624\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97590329-14638255-image-a-23_1745400721816.jpg\" alt=\"Catholic nuns walk in Rome near the Vatican, following the Pope's death, on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Catholic nuns walk in Rome near the Vatican, following the Pope\u2019s death, on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-b20b04ab4bdf1e56\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588627-14638255-image-a-103_1745398052027.jpg\" alt=\"A cardinal makes the sign of the cross as he walks past the coffin of Pope Francis on the day of the translation of his body, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"643\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A cardinal makes the sign of the cross as he walks past the coffin of Pope Francis on the day of the translation of his body, in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-c3bccfcd70dd62f1\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585989-14638255-Pope_Francis_body_is_carried_in_a_coffin_into_Saint_Peter_s_Basi-a-44_1745393907781.jpg\" alt=\"Pope Francis' body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican today\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pope Francis\u2019 body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8f81fb949080b26\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589231-14638255-image-a-7_1745398903118.jpg\" alt=\"Swiss guards march in front of the entrance of St Peter's basilica following the procession of the late Pope's coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Swiss guards march in front of the entrance of St Peter\u2019s basilica following the procession of the late Pope\u2019s coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-e4f07107f2596669\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585991-14638255-A_Swiss_Guard_stands_as_people_gather_in_St_Peter_s_Square_on_th-a-45_1745393907789.jpg\" alt=\"A Swiss Guard stands as people gather in St. Peter's Square on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body\u00a0from his home in the Vatican hotel to St. Peter's Basilica this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A Swiss Guard stands as people gather in St. Peter\u2019s Square on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body\u00a0from his home in the Vatican hotel to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-64515c6c0fa3c97e\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586609-14638255-image-a-59_1745394703338.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis as it is transported from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica today\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis as it is transported from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2834d585864686d2\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97586351-14638255-The_Pope_died_of_a_stroke_the_Vatican_announced_hours_after_the_-m-61_1745394730888.jpg\" alt=\"Pope Francis, whose open casket is pictured today during a processional to St. Peter's Basilica, died of a stroke on April 21, 2025. The 88-year-old reformer inspired devotion but riled traditionalists during 12 years leading the Catholic Church\" width=\"962\" height=\"845\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pope Francis, whose open casket is pictured today during a processional to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, died of a stroke on April 21, 2025. The 88-year-old reformer inspired devotion but riled traditionalists during 12 years leading the Catholic Church<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-533a51dee7403925\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585623-14638255-Faithful_sit_outside_the_Basilica_at_St_Peter_s_Square_before_th-a-37_1745393907766.jpg\" alt=\"Faithful sit outside the Basilica at St. Peter's Square before the body of Pope Francis is transferred\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Faithful sit outside the Basilica at St. Peter\u2019s Square before the body of Pope Francis is transferred<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-d4589e6ce56d3551\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585619-14638255-Nuns_wait_on_the_day_of_the_translation_of_Pope_Francis_coffin_w-a-38_1745393907769.jpg\" alt=\"Nuns wait on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' coffin at the Vatican, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Nuns wait on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 coffin at the Vatican, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8d789c418527d283\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588345-14638255-image-a-84_1745397409349.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis through the crowd in St. Peter's Square today\" width=\"962\" height=\"1346\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis through the crowd in St. Peter\u2019s Square today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"moduleFull mol-video\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div id=\"p-120\" class=\"news x-wide video_carousel_container\" data-track-module=\"vm-656226865882445762^extra_wide\" data-track-selector=\"a.videoLink\" data-track-type=\"cl\" data-track-pos=\"static\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"v-656226865882445762\" class=\"vjs-video-container vjs-fixed vjs-span-two-col news\">\n<div id=\"vjs_video_1426\" class=\"video-js vjs-default-skin vjs-paused vjs-controls-enabled mol-empty-playlist mol-fe-animated-preview vjs-visually-ready vjs-user-inactive mol-fe-vjs-full-size-min\" data-opts=\"{&quot;linkBaseURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14638255\/crowds-gather-body-Pope-Francis-laying-state-Vatican.html#v-656226865882445762&quot;,&quot;isMobile&quot;:false,&quot;original&quot;:false,&quot;duration&quot;:69000,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/videos.dailymail.co.uk\/video\/mol\/2025\/04\/21\/656226865882445762\/1024x576_MP4_656226865882445762.mp4&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;Other&quot;,&quot;playerId&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;World waits to see who will succeed Pope Francis as Pontiff dies age 88&quot;,&quot;preload&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;initialVideo&quot;:true,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/21\/16\/97519757-0-image-a-1_1745249426243.jpg&quot;,&quot;poster&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/21\/16\/97519757-0-image-a-2_1745249427009.jpg&quot;,&quot;syndicationService&quot;:null,&quot;shortURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/mol.im\/a\/14638255#v-656226865882445762&quot;,&quot;plugins&quot;:{&quot;social-share&quot;:{&quot;embedUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/embed\/video\/3418911.html&quot;},&quot;autoplay-next-video&quot;:{&quot;videos&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/api\/player\/3418911\/related-videos.json&quot;,&quot;countdown_time&quot;:10},&quot;ads-setup&quot;:{&quot;videoAdServerUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/pubads.g.doubleclick.net\/gampad\/ads?sz=[size]&amp;iu=%2F5765%2Fdm.video%2Fdm_video_news&amp;ciu_szs=&amp;impl=s&amp;gdfp_req=1&amp;env=vp&amp;output=xml_vast3&amp;unviewed_position_start=1&amp;url=[referrer_url]&amp;correlator=[timestamp]&quot;,&quot;adsEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;adsCancelTimeout&quot;:15000,&quot;screen&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:636,&quot;height&quot;:358}},&quot;sources&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/api\/player\/656226865882445762\/video-sources.json&quot;},&quot;flyout&quot;:{&quot;viewportOffset&quot;:0.4,&quot;switchBack&quot;:true,&quot;forceFlyout&quot;:{&quot;active&quot;:false,&quot;muted&quot;:true,&quot;switchBack&quot;:false}},&quot;tracking&quot;:{&quot;channelShortName&quot;:&quot;news&quot;,&quot;sponsored&quot;:false,&quot;referenceId&quot;:3418911,&quot;trackingType&quot;:&quot;embedded&quot;},&quot;animated-preview&quot;:{&quot;displayName&quot;:null,&quot;frames&quot;:77,&quot;width&quot;:636,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/videos.dailymail.co.uk\/preview\/mol\/2025\/04\/21\/5167555612670053227\/636x382_JPG-SINGLE_5167555612670053227.jpg&quot;,&quot;fps&quot;:0,&quot;data-video&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/videos.dailymail.co.uk\/preview\/mol\/2025\/04\/21\/5167555612670053227\/636x382_MP4_5167555612670053227.mp4&quot;,&quot;data-frame-height&quot;:358,&quot;data-frame-width&quot;:636,&quot;height&quot;:358},&quot;related-videos&quot;:{&quot;videos&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/api\/player\/3418911\/related-videos.json&quot;,&quot;videoChannel&quot;:&quot;news&quot;,&quot;showUpNextPanel&quot;:false}},&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;656226865882445762&quot;,&quot;descr&quot;:&quot;World waits to see who will succeed Pope Francis as Pontiff dies age 88. Among the contenders are Peter Turkson, who could be the first black pope, Luis Antonio Tagle, who could be the first asian pope, and Jose Tolentino, who is considered the relative youth in the running.&quot;,&quot;referenceId&quot;:3418911,&quot;grapeshot&quot;:{&quot;article&quot;:{&quot;articleURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14634917\/pope-francis-thoughts-death-varican-book-preface.html&quot;}}}\">\n<div class=\"vjs-title\">\n<div class=\"vjs-title-text\">\n<div>World waits to see who will succeed Pope Francis as Pontiff dies age 88<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The coffin entered the basilica though the central doors and was placed by the Altar of the Confession, where\u00a0Cardinal Farrell blessed it with holy water and incense.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">He then read from the Gospel of St John: \u2018At that time Jesus lifted up his eyes to Heaven, and praying said: \u2018Father I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018O Righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.\u2019 (John 17 21-24)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">As requested by Francis in his will, there was no elaborate raised catafalque for his coffin, just a simple wooden board for it to be carried on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Pilgrims in the crowd were able to follow the service via 58 page booklet posted online by the Vatican.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Cardinal Farrell said: \u2018Brothers and sisters, let us pray to God our Father, that he may welcome our departed Shepherd, to his eternal home, and increase our faith in the resurrection of the dead.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">At this another ripple of applause broke out among the faithful before the service concluded with the Our Father prayer and Marian Antiphon 75 minutes after it had started.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8569f52c1d0c9427\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588331-14638255-image-a-87_1745397460387.jpg\" alt=\"Attendees sit at St. Peter's Square during the ceremony following the procession of the coffin of the late Pope, transported from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Attendees sit at St. Peter\u2019s Square during the ceremony following the procession of the coffin of the late Pope, transported from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-58d59d9af914b79b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588349-14638255-image-a-85_1745397450960.jpg\" alt=\"The faithful watch as Pope Francis' open coffin is carried through St. Peter's Square this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The faithful watch as Pope Francis\u2019 open coffin is carried through St. Peter\u2019s Square this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-34579ff76a7c9000\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588343-14638255-image-a-86_1745397456682.jpg\" alt=\"Two nuns are seen offering each other support\u00a0at St. Peter's Square today during the ceremony following the procession of the coffin of the late pope\" width=\"962\" height=\"640\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Two nuns are seen offering each other support\u00a0at St. Peter\u2019s Square today during the ceremony following the procession of the coffin of the late pope<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-3b75f6f7ca727cd5\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588399-14638255-image-a-88_1745397627522.jpg\" alt=\"Members of the clergy arrive at St. Peter's Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body and its transfer to Saint Peter's Basilica\u00a0at the Vatican, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Members of the clergy arrive at St. Peter\u2019s Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body and its transfer to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica\u00a0at the Vatican, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-c075e22cbcb278c0\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588389-14638255-image-a-89_1745397630226.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinals arrive during the transfer of Pope Francis's coffin to Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City today\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinals arrive during the transfer of Pope Francis\u2019s coffin to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica in Vatican City today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-5606f82d951d2ac4\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588391-14638255-image-a-90_1745397658995.jpg\" alt=\"People watch as the coffin with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, is carried in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People watch as the coffin with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days, is carried in St. Peter\u2019s Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-cf1da3b7ee527992\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588603-14638255-image-a-91_1745397841929.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis to Saint Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City, 23 April 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, in Vatican City, 23 April 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-7cb8c6e572627283\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588585-14638255-image-a-92_1745397845320.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinals enter Saint Peter's Basilica, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinals enter Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-c2270162990e9bf1\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589367-14638255-image-a-8_1745398979938.jpg\" alt=\"Pope Francis's body rests inside his coffin, on the day of the translation of his body, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pope Francis\u2019s body rests inside his coffin, on the day of the translation of his body, in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-29eb00b9e8bb0717\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589355-14638255-image-a-9_1745398983779.jpg\" alt=\"Nuns pray in front of the body of Pope Francis inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Nuns pray in front of the body of Pope Francis inside St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-74e99cfc5d550f36\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589417-14638255-image-a-11_1745399062971.jpg\" alt=\"People line up in St. Peter's Square to enter St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis, where he will lie in state for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People line up in St. Peter\u2019s Square to enter St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis, where he will lie in state for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The late pope\u2019s doctor has spoken for the first time today, insisting that Francis \u2018did not suffer\u2019 as he took his dying breath.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Speaking to Italian TV, Dr Sergio Alfieri, who treated the pope during his five week stay at Rome\u2019s Gemelli hospital, was among the first to arrive at the Vatican on Monday morning after being alerted by staff that Francis had woken up and complained of feeling unwell.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Dr Alfieri, who is the lead coordinator of Francis\u2019 medical team, said: \u2018When I got to Santa Marta, he was on oxygen and had a drip, but he wasn\u2019t alert.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018It wasn\u2019t a respiratory problem; he was in a coma, and he didn\u2019t know it. He didn\u2019t realise it, but he had a blood clot, most likely from a stroke.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Then I listened to both lungs, and it wasn\u2019t a breathing problem, I can say that it wasn\u2019t a breathing problem, and he didn\u2019t suffer.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">It also emerged during the interview that\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Francis visited inmates in jail last week<\/span>\u00a0on Maundy Thursday, a day in which\u00a0Catholics remember the Last Supper of Christ, where Jesus washed the feet of his 12 Apostles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Dr Alfieri shared how the \u2018Pope had been heartbroken that he hadn\u2019t been able to wash the prisoners feet\u2019.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2984423c34d296a7\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591837-14638255-image-a-29_1745402890682.jpg\" alt=\"Nuns wait in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Nuns wait in St. Peter\u2019s Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-3fd75d0d869c75c0\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593377-14638255-image-a-45_1745404851420.jpg\" alt=\"An elderly man sits in St. Peter's Square as people wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">An elderly man sits in St. Peter\u2019s Square as people wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-30abc50b1aab05a8\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593423-14638255-image-a-46_1745404863079.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter's Basilica on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter\u2019s Basilica on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-473d88bb60529cdd\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593399-14638255-image-a-47_1745404874584.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinals pray in front the body of Pope Francis at Casa Santa Martaon April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinals pray in front the body of Pope Francis at Casa Santa Martaon April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-166682bbc1e9d6f4\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593391-14638255-image-a-49_1745404885045.jpg\" alt=\"The open casket with the body of Pope Francis is carried in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The open casket with the body of Pope Francis is carried in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-d0acf00bb0529330\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593415-14638255-image-a-48_1745404883284.jpg\" alt=\"The body of Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter's Basilica on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. On the third day since the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, his body is transferred from the Chapel of Santa Marta to the Basilica St Peter. He will lie in state in a simple wooden coffin until his funeral\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The body of Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter\u2019s Basilica on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. On the third day since the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, his body is transferred from the Chapel of Santa Marta to the Basilica St Peter. He will lie in state in a simple wooden coffin until his funeral<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-b1bc1ebaef3abb7b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593371-14638255-image-a-50_1745404910863.jpg\" alt=\"Pilgrims and visitors queue at St Peter's Square to enter the St Peter's Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pilgrims and visitors queue at St Peter\u2019s Square to enter the St Peter\u2019s Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-ead335619b2b02de\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593353-14638255-image-a-51_1745404920574.jpg\" alt=\"A woman gestures as people queue at St Peter's Square to enter the St Peter's Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A woman gestures as people queue at St Peter\u2019s Square to enter the St Peter\u2019s Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-cbbcb0c0f3ab6a5\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593397-14638255-image-a-52_1745404929663.jpg\" alt=\"The open casket with the body of Pope Francis is carried in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The open casket with the body of Pope Francis is carried in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-497309d77843235e\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593361-14638255-image-a-53_1745404937696.jpg\" alt=\"Nuns queue at St Peter's Square to enter the St Peter's Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican today\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Nuns queue at St Peter\u2019s Square to enter the St Peter\u2019s Basilica and pay respects to the late Pope in the Vatican today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-dffceca9284eac64\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97593505-14638255-image-a-54_1745404995916.jpg\" alt=\"People line up to enter St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, where his body will lie in state for three days, in Vatican City, 23 April 2025. Faithful and well-wishers will be able to pay their respects to the spiritual leader, who died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, until his funeral on Saturday\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People line up to enter St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, where his body will lie in state for three days, in Vatican City, 23 April 2025. Faithful and well-wishers will be able to pay their respects to the spiritual leader, who died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, until his funeral on Saturday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Crowds began gathering in St. Peter\u2019s Square just before 7am so they could be among the first to enter the basilica for the official lying in state.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Those wanting to file past the coffin have been told to expect a long wait and come prepared with water and snacks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">When Pope John Paul II died in 2005 more than four million people attended his lying in state and later funeral. Officials expect similar numbers for Francis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Pallets of water bottles have been stockpiled along the main Via della Conciliazione, which leads to St. Peter\u2019s, and first aid tents have also been set up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Italian police have tightened security for the viewing and the funeral, carrying out foot and horse patrols around the Vatican, where pilgrims continued to arrive for the Holy Year celebrations that Francis opened in December.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The faithful who walk through St. Peter\u2019s Holy Door are granted indulgences, a way to help atone for sins.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Metal detectors have also been installed at various key points and sharp shooters will be positioned on rooftops for Saturday\u2019s funeral.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">A conclave to choose the new pope is not expected to start before May 6. The cardinals now gathering in Rome will decide the date following what are often prolonged discussions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-ce361ce66e19d6c9\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591823-14638255-image-a-31_1745402932243.jpg\" alt=\"People line up to see the body of Pope Francis is in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three day\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People line up to see the body of Pope Francis is in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-dcd84cd7fe38669b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591565-14638255-image-a-17_1745402478457.jpg\" alt=\"This photograph shows a view of the coffin of the late Pope Francis on St Peter's Square, as it is transported in a procession from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica, following the Pope's death, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">This photograph shows a view of the coffin of the late Pope Francis on St Peter\u2019s Square, as it is transported in a procession from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica, following the Pope\u2019s death, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-7af579d75619d2ee\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591551-14638255-image-a-19_1745402494749.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, center, flanked by master of ceremonies Mons. Krzysztof Marcjanowicz, second right, and Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, right, blesses the body of Pope Francis inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, center, flanked by master of ceremonies Mons. Krzysztof Marcjanowicz, second right, and Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, right, blesses the body of Pope Francis inside St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-547b1d3d18d9de03\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591829-14638255-image-a-30_1745402905647.jpg\" alt=\"A nun reacts at St. Peter's Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body and its transfer to Saint Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 202\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A nun reacts at St. Peter\u2019s Square, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body and its transfer to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 202<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-eac308d5c7bea791\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591539-14638255-image-a-20_1745402497910.jpg\" alt=\"A nun holds information on the passing of Pope Francis, as she queues to enter St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican to pay respects to the late Pope Francis, in Rome, Italy, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A nun holds information on the passing of Pope Francis, as she queues to enter St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican to pay respects to the late Pope Francis, in Rome, Italy, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-7088270eba386445\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591545-14638255-image-a-21_1745402500758.jpg\" alt=\"Irish-born US Cardinal and camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell (centre) standing in front of the coffin of Pope Francis (Bottom) inside St Peter's Basilica, during the ceremony following the procession of the late Pope's coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"1443\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Irish-born US Cardinal and camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell (centre) standing in front of the coffin of Pope Francis (Bottom) inside St Peter\u2019s Basilica, during the ceremony following the procession of the late Pope\u2019s coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica in The Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-75b06d0c2e39d42a\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591541-14638255-image-a-18_1745402492347.jpg\" alt=\"A\u00a0view of the coffin of Pope Francis inside St Peter's Basilica, during the ceremony following the procession of the late Pope's coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A\u00a0view of the coffin of Pope Francis inside St Peter\u2019s Basilica, during the ceremony following the procession of the late Pope\u2019s coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica in The Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-b0845a875172b9f6\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591629-14638255-image-m-23_1745402663774.jpg\" alt=\"Clergy members wait for the arrival of Pope Francis' body to St. Peter's Basilica for three days of lying in state, ahead of his funeral, in Vatican City\" width=\"962\" height=\"851\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Clergy members wait for the arrival of Pope Francis\u2019 body to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days of lying in state, ahead of his funeral, in Vatican City<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8bb05e5c73aea82e\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591623-14638255-image-a-25_1745402687817.jpg\" alt=\"Mourners wave flags as pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis past them on the journey to Saint Peter's Basilica\" width=\"962\" height=\"608\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Mourners wave flags as pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis past them on the journey to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Italian cardinal Camillo Ruini arrives in St Peter\u2019s Basilica ahead of the transfer of Pope Francis\u2019 coffin for three days of lying in state, Vatican City, on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-80162631eb8f16a9\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591617-14638255-image-a-26_1745402748609.jpg\" alt=\"Pope Francis's coffin is carried into St Peter's Basilica for three days of lying in state\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pope Francis\u2019s coffin is carried into St Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days of lying in state<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9d792c31460b01e7\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591615-14638255-image-a-28_1745402756171.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis past faithful to Saint Peter's Basilica this morning\" width=\"962\" height=\"606\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\">Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis past faithful to Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica this morning<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-44e755d594d86ddc\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591585-14638255-image-a-27_1745402753852.jpg\" alt=\"Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti speaks to the members of the media, as he leaves the Vatican, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body, in Rome, Italy,\u00a0April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti speaks to the members of the media, as he leaves the Vatican, on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body, in Rome, Italy,\u00a0April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-7f50e0ceaccdc365\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591893-14638255-image-a-35_1745403010430.jpg\" alt=\"Gianlorenzo Bernini's monumental canopy serves as a dramatic frame as Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell leads the procession accompanying Pope Francis's body into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Gianlorenzo Bernini\u2019s monumental canopy serves as a dramatic frame as Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell leads the procession accompanying Pope Francis\u2019s body into St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican on Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-d86be115d1432442\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591895-14638255-image-a-34_1745403008798.jpg\" alt=\"Pallbearers carry the coffin of late Pope Francis on St Peter's Square, during the procession of the late Pope's coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pallbearers carry the coffin of late Pope Francis on St Peter\u2019s Square, during the procession of the late Pope\u2019s coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">There is no clear frontrunner to succeed Francis, although British bookmakers have singled out Luis Antonio Tagle, a reformer from the Philippines, and Pietro Parolin, from Italy, as early favourites.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Tagle and Parolin stood together in the basilica, flanked by about 80 other cardinals, as the wooden coffin was laid on a dais in front of the altar, built on the spot where St. Peter, the first pope, is believed to have been buried after dying as a martyr in the reign of Emperor Nero (54-68 AD).<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Francis\u2019s body was dressed in red vestments, his hands clasped together holding a rosary, and a white mitre on his head. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a US-born conservative prelate who was often at odds with Francis during his 12-year papacy, was among those who approached the coffin and bowed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Francis shunned much of the great pomp and ceremony traditionally associated with the role of head of the world\u2019s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. He clashed repeatedly with traditionalists, who saw him as overly liberal and too accommodating to minority groups, such as the LGBTQ community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">In electing a new pope, cardinals will have to consider whether to complete Francis\u2019 promised reform of the Church, making more room for women in senior positions and being more amenable to an evolving society, or opt for retrenchment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Some 135 cardinals are eligible to participate in the secretive conclave, which can stretch over days before white smoke pouring from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel tells the world that a new pope has been picked.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">Speculation is already rife on who should succeed Francis<\/span>, who was from Argentina and was the first non-European pope in 1,300 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius suggested his fellow electors should again look beyond Europe, where Catholic congregations have been dwindling for years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018I believe it would be very natural to choose someone from Africa, Asia, or in any case from those parts of the world where the Church is, in some way, more alive, more dynamic, and with more of a future,\u2019 Corriere della Sera newspaper quoted him as saying.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-7e75551ec572e1aa\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591929-14638255-A_woman_with_a_child_queues_to_enter_St_Peter_s_Basilica_at_the_-m-38_1745403109749.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with a child queues to enter St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican to pay respects to the late Pope Francis after the translation of his body and its transfer to the basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 202\" width=\"962\" height=\"1198\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">A woman with a child queues to enter St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican to pay respects to the late Pope Francis after the translation of his body and its transfer to the basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 202<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-210a4788b4a11596\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588571-14638255-image-a-96_1745397905204.jpg\" alt=\"Clergymen walk past the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, after it arrived in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Clergymen walk past the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, after it arrived in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-c6133f6de96ea44b\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591975-14638255-image-a-39_1745403169716.jpg\" alt=\"The procession with Pope Francis's coffin enters St Peter's Basilica where his body will lie in state, in Vatican City today\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">The procession with Pope Francis\u2019s coffin enters St Peter\u2019s Basilica where his body will lie in state, in Vatican City today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9715a50154a50621\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588609-14638255-image-a-94_1745397869874.jpg\" alt=\"Members of the clergy attend a ceremony inside St. Peter's Basilica following the procession of the late Pope's coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Members of the clergy attend a ceremony inside St. Peter\u2019s Basilica following the procession of the late Pope\u2019s coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-511d8a0103d11004\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588623-14638255-image-a-93_1745397867601.jpg\" alt=\"Clergymen follow the procession with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, entering St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Clergymen follow the procession with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, entering St. Peter\u2019s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-41cc2f88f74c5f78\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585995-14638255-An_interior_view_of_the_Basilica_St_Peter_before_the_body_of_Pop-a-46_1745393907791.jpg\" alt=\"An interior view of the Basilica St Peter before the body of Pope Francis is transferred today\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageCount-fAPp8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">An interior view of the Basilica St Peter before the body of Pope Francis is transferred today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-36e7c06cdbeeca07\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585621-14638255-People_queue_on_the_day_of_the_translation_of_Pope_Francis_body_-a-39_1745393907770.jpg\" alt=\"People queue on the day of the translation of Pope Francis' body, which will be transported inside the Saint Peter's Basilica today\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People queue on the day of the translation of Pope Francis\u2019 body, which will be transported inside the Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-50887e092ce6659c\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/10\/97589351-14638255-image-a-10_1745398986250.jpg\" alt=\"Pedestrians walk on Via della Conciliazione in Rome, with a view of the Vatican's St Peter Basilica after the transfer of the coffin of Pope Francis from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica, following the Pope's death, on April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Pedestrians walk on Via della Conciliazione in Rome, with a view of the Vatican\u2019s St Peter Basilica after the transfer of the coffin of Pope Francis from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica, following the Pope\u2019s death, on April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-e2f530b63e186dd0\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/11\/97591925-14638255-image-a-36_1745403080853.jpg\" alt=\"Irish-born US Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell (centre R) holding incense next to the coffin of late Pope Francis during the ceremony at St Peter's basilica following the procession of the late Pope's coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica, in The Vatican\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Irish-born US Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell (centre R) holding incense next to the coffin of late Pope Francis during the ceremony at St Peter\u2019s basilica following the procession of the late Pope\u2019s coffin from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter\u2019s Basilica, in The Vatican<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-d29e9053c1011790\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/09\/97588599-14638255-image-a-97_1745397921902.jpg\" alt=\"People watch as the coffin with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, is carried in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">People watch as the coffin with the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for three days, is carried in St. Peter\u2019s Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mol-img-group xwArtSplitter\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-2d06d5d39edd0389\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/23\/08\/97585617-14638255-Images_released_by_the_Vatican_on_Tuesday_showed_Francis_lying_i-a-43_1745393907781.jpg\" alt=\"Images released by the Vatican on Tuesday showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional pointed headdress of bishops and red robes, his hands folded over a rosary\" width=\"962\" height=\"642\" data-gallery-handler-attached=\"true\" \/>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"viewGalleryText-NXaet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Images released by the Vatican on Tuesday showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional pointed headdress of bishops and red robes, his hands folded over a rosary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Ahead of his lying in state the pontiff\u2019s body was embalmed and\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">given a touch of make up<\/span>. Francis first laid in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Images\u00a0<span data-track-module=\"internal-body-link\">released by the Vatican on Tuesday<\/span>\u00a0showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional pointed headdress of bishops and red robes, his hands folded over a rosary.\u00a0The Vatican\u2019s No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was pictured praying by Francis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Cardinals are continuing their meetings this week to plan the conclave to elect Francis\u2019 successor, make other decisions about running the Catholic Church as world leaders and the ordinary faithful grieve the pontiff\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">History\u2019s first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">He last appeared in public on Sunday with an Easter blessing and popemobile tour through a cheering crowd in St. Peter\u2019s Square.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">He had some reservations about looping through the square packed with 50,000 faithful, Vatican News reported on Tuesday, but overcame them \u2013 and was thankful that he had greeted the crowd. He died the next morning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Vatican has opened St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to the public so thousands of Catholic faithful can pay their final respects to\u00a0Pope Francis\u00a0over the next three days. Flocks of mourners are filling the central aisle of the basilica this morning, with\u00a0Swiss Guards standing at attention, to see Francis\u2019 body lying in state, with around 20,000 mourners&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11531,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The world says goodbye to Pope Francis: Emotional faithful enter St Peter\u2019s Basilica as the pontiff\u2019s body is placed on display for three days of mourning - VM News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=11530\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The world says goodbye to Pope Francis: Emotional faithful enter St Peter\u2019s Basilica as the pontiff\u2019s body is placed on display for three days of mourning - VM News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Vatican has opened St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to the public so thousands of Catholic faithful can pay their final respects to\u00a0Pope Francis\u00a0over the next three days. 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