Overview

• Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, is being honored with a three-day public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
• His coffin, transported from Sainte-Marthe’s Residence this morning, rests directly on the basilica floor, reflecting his request for simplicity in funeral rites.
• The procession to the basilica included cardinals and Swiss Guards in ceremonial attire, accompanied by hymns from the Sistine Chapel Choir.
• Vatican authorities have implemented crowd control measures, including barriers, water distribution, and enhanced security, to manage the tens of thousands of mourners expected.
• The funeral, scheduled for April 26, will host numerous world leaders, and preparations are underway for the conclave to elect his successor in early May.