Pope Francis' Body Lies in State at St. Peter's Basilica as Thousands Mourn the Late Pontiff at the Vatican

The body of Pope Francis is carried into St Peters Basilica for three days of lying in state

The body of Pope Francis was carried in a solemn procession from his Vatican residence to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state ahead of his funeral. The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff passed away two days ago following a stroke and cardiac arrest.

The late pope's open wooden coffin was carried by pallbearers the 500 meters from the Casa Santa Marta where he lived and died, behind a procession of red-robed cardinals

His red-trimmed coffin, flanked by cardinals, bishops, friars, and Swiss Guards, was transported through Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani as thousands of mourners gathered in silence to bid farewell to the beloved spiritual leader.

As the procession entered St. Peter’s Square, the crowd stood in reverent quiet. Cardinal Kevin Farrell then led a prayer, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, we now accompany the mortal remains of our Pope Francis to the Vatican Basilica. As we now leave this home, let us thank the Lord for the countless gifts that he bestowed on the Christian people through his servant.”

When the pope’s coffin crossed the square, the crowd erupted into a round of applause — a traditional sign of respect in Italy. The pallbearers continued through the grand bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, where another wave of applause broke out inside the hushed cathedral.

The late pope's open wooden coffin was carried by pallbearers the 500 meters from the Casa Santa Marta where he lived and died, behind a procession of red-robed cardinals

Approximately 10,000 worshippers stood in line under the spring sun to pay their respects, with tens of thousands more expected over the next three days. The pope’s body will lie in state until Friday evening, allowing the faithful a final opportunity to honor his life and legacy.

The casket of the Supreme Pontiff Pope Francis has just been carried into St. Peter’s Basilica, laid beneath Bernini’s majestic baldachin, before the Throne of St. Peter, where it will lie in state for three days

Pope Francis will be buried on Saturday in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, making him the first pope in a century to be buried outside Vatican grounds. The basilica holds special significance as a place associated with migrants and refugees, where he frequently prayed before international visits.

The body of Pope Francis arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state ahead of his weekend funeral.

World leaders and dignitaries from around the globe are expected to attend the funeral, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, and representatives from Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, the European Union, and the pope’s native Argentina. The Prince of Wales will also attend the service on behalf of the King.

The late pope's open wooden coffin was carried by pallbearers the 500 meters from the Casa Santa Marta where he lived and died, behind a procession of red-robed cardinals