The body of Pope Francis was moved on Wednesday morning from his residence at Saint Martha’s House in the Vatican to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
Thousands of people are expected to visit the basilica in the coming days to pay their final respects to the late head of the Catholic Church before his funeral on Saturday.
Vatican official said, “Believers around the world loved Pope Francis deeply. This is their chance to say goodbye.”
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Before now, only cardinals, members of the Vatican Curia, and employees were allowed to see the Pope’s body at his residence.
Pope Francis, who was 88 years old, died on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and heart failure. He had battled illness for a long time.
In a rare decision, Pope Francis requested not to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, where most popes are laid to rest. Instead, he chose the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a smaller church near Rome’s main train station.
World leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend his funeral on Saturday.