Vatican City, Apr 23 (V7N)— The final farewell to Pope Francis has begun with his body placed in St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing. From 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, mourners have been gathering to pay their last respects to the beloved pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Dressed in red vestments and placed in an open wooden coffin, the Pope’s body lay in state first at his residence, Santa Marta, before being moved to the Basilica. His funeral, scheduled for Saturday morning, will be attended by world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Bangladesh Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Prince William of the United Kingdom.

The funeral ceremony is being led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and attended by the highest dignitaries of the Catholic Church. The Vatican has declared nine days of official mourning.

In accordance with his final wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than within the Vatican. Breaking with tradition, he will be buried in a single simple wooden coffin, instead of the customary three coffins.

Millions around the world are mourning the death of the Pope, known for his compassion, humility, and reformist stance within the Church. Large crowds have gathered at Vatican City to offer prayers and tributes.

Following tradition, the Pope's Fisherman's Ring and Seal have been destroyed to prevent misuse. The process of electing the next Pope is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, once all cardinal electors have arrived in Rome. The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, where the College of Cardinals will vote in secrecy to select the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

This historic moment marks the end of Pope Francis' 12-year papacy, remembered for his focus on the poor, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship.

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