Pope Francis' body transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public mourning

Thousands of mourners filled St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday as the Vatican began its official farewell to Pope Francis, whose death earlier this week at the age of 88 has prompted a wave of grief around the world.

The pontiff passed away following complications from a stroke and double pneumonia, after spending several weeks hospitalized earlier this year.

At the break of day, his open coffin was moved from the Casa Santa Marta, the papal residence within the Vatican, in a solemn procession that concluded inside St Peter’s Basilica. Bells tolled and spontaneous applause erupted as the casket crossed the square — a traditional Italian gesture of respect.

Vatican officials said an estimated 20,000 people gathered to witness the procession. Dressed in red robes and white cassocks, cardinals and priests led the walk, while the Swiss Guards — responsible for the Pope’s security — accompanied the coffin to the basilica’s main altar. The entire procession lasted just under 40 minutes.

The late pontiff’s body will lie in state inside the church until Friday evening.

Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, served as pontiff for 12 years. He was widely respected for his emphasis on humility, social justice, and inclusivity. He requested a modest funeral aligned with his simple lifestyle, and had made arrangements for the costs to be covered by a private donor.

In a break from tradition, he will not be buried beneath St Peter’s Basilica. Instead, his final resting place will be in a Marian church in central Rome, under a tombstone that bears only his name.

Dignitaries from around the globe are expected to attend Saturday’s funeral.

Before Wednesday’s procession, the Pope’s body had been lying in repose in the chapel of his Vatican home, guarded by Swiss Guards and surrounded by cardinals in prayer. His final public appearance had been on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief message from a wheelchair before greeting the faithful and blessing children in the square.

With his passing, the Vatican enters the Sede Vacante — the “empty seat” period — until a new Pope is elected.