The body of Pope Francis has been formally transported from his Vatican residence to St Peter's Basilica, enabling devotees to pay their final respects prior to his funeral scheduled for Saturday. The late Pope's open coffin was carried in a solemn procession through St Peter's Square on Wednesday morning, drawing thousands of mourners who had gathered to honor him. As the procession progressed, the ringing of bells resonated, accompanied by bursts of applause, which is a customary Italian expression of reverence.

The Pope, who recently passed away at the age of 88 from a stroke compounded by double pneumonia, served as the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church for over a decade. Accompanying the coffin in the procession were red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests, moving from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the Basilica, taking roughly 40 minutes.

The event was closely watched, with Swiss Guards escorting the coffin to the church's altar. Public viewing commenced at 11:00 AM local time on Wednesday, with crowds lining up to pay their respects, which attracted additional mourners throughout the day.

Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, shared her hopes of honoring the Pope: "I love Papa Francesco... he fought against power and truly embodied a Christian spirit." Another mourner, Fredrik from Ghana, reflected on the Pope's efforts, asserting that "it is left to us to continue the good works" he initiated.

Among those paying homage was Eva Asensio, who expressed her connection to the Argentine pontiff, stating, "We saw him as a good Pope – someone who supported everyone." The atmosphere was filled with emotion, with many expressing their hope for future leadership that would continue the progressive path Pope Francis had forged.

Dignitaries, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are slated to attend the funeral. In keeping with his personal wishes, Pope Francis planned a more intimate ceremony. He will not be buried in St Peter's but instead in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome with a simple tombstone inscribed only with his name.

Prior to his transfer to St Peter's, Pope Francis lay in an open coffin at his chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards and cardinals in prayer. His last public appearance was at Easter Sunday, where he addressed the congregation from a wheelchair. Following his death, the Papal apartments have been sealed with wax, marking the beginning of the Sede Vacante period until a new Pope is elected.