In brief
The body of Pope Francis has been relocated from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, where the public can pay their respects. An open coffin procession occurred on Wednesday morning through St. Peter's Square, attended by thousands of mourners. The pontiff passed away at the age of 88 after suffering from a stroke and double pneumonia. Revelers applauded in honor of the Pope, who served as the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church for twelve years.
Cardinals and priests escorted his coffin in a formal procession from his residence to the Basilica, lasting under 40 minutes and watched over by Swiss Guards. The public viewing began at 11:00 local time on Wednesday and will continue until Friday evening. Reports from mourners in attendance reflected sentiments of gratitude and admiration for the late Pontiff. One American woman, Mary Ellen, expressed her feelings of love for Pope Francis, calling him humble and kind and sharing her intentions to pray for assistance in her work with immigrants. Others praised him for his inclusive approach and hope for the future of the Church. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral, which the Pope had wished to be a more intimate affair. Unusually, he will not be buried in St. Peter's but in a church in Rome, with a simple tombstone featuring only his name. The period known as Sede Vacante, or empty seat, has begun until the election of a new Pope, and now his papal apartments are sealed with wax.
