The body of Pope Francis, who passed away from heart failure and stroke on April 21 (Easter Monday), has been moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state for public mourning.
Catholics are expected to pay their final respects before the funeral on April 26. The ceremony is expected to be attended by US President Donald Trump and dozens of other world leaders.
The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis was regarded as a revolutionary reformer. He held the office for 12 years, during which time he frequently clashed with traditionalists while advocating for the underprivileged.
The heads of state are expected to attend the funeral in St. Peter's Square, while the three days of public mourning are mostly for the general public to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who was 88.
The Pope's residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, includes a chapel where a somber ceremony was conducted by Cardinal Kevin Farrell - the official in charge of the Vatican government until a new pope is chosen. Cardinals stood in prayer, their red cassocks and capes accompanied by a choir. There were four Swiss Guards standing at attention on either side of Francis's casket. Outside, priests with long lights stood ready to lead the procession into the basilica, accompanied by Swiss Guards.
Currently resting in an open coffin at his Vatican apartment in Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis' remains were intended for private viewing by the papal household and Vatican residents. The public gathered at St. Peter's Square outside to watch the procession enter the basilica.