Pope Francis Lies in State at St. Peter's Basilica Before Funeral

Public Viewing and Procession

• 🕊️ The body of Pope Francis has been transferred from his papal residence to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing.
• ⏳ He will lie in state until Friday, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday.
• 🚶‍♀️ Huge lines of mourners have been filing into the basilica to pay their respects.
• 🔔 Bells tolled as the solemn procession, led by cardinals and pallbearers, began.

Mourners and Tributes

• 🌍 Tens of thousands of faithful are expected to pay their respects during the viewing period.
• 💬 One mourner expressed feeling the loss spiritually and having a lot of attachment to Pope Francis.
• 🙏 Crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square for the rosary, with cheers of "Viva Il Papa" turning to tears.

Funeral Preparations and Papal Succession

• ⛪ The funeral on Saturday is expected to draw Catholic leaders and world leaders from across the globe.
• ✈️ Cardinal Dolan flew to Rome to attend the funeral and participate in the conclave.
• 🗓️ The Vatican has yet to confirm the exact timing of the conclave, but it's expected between May 6th and May 12th.
• 🗳️ Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope.

Pope Francis' Final Moments

• ❤️ On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis thanked his personal nurse, saying, "Thank you for bringing me back to the square."
• 🎤 He also asked if he could manage a Pope mobile ride to crowds of over 50,000, and upon confirmation, he proceeded.
• ✨ This moment was described as meaningful to him, knowing he was back with the people despite suffering.

Public Viewing Arrangements

• 🪵 The Pope's coffin is a simple wooden one, not elevated as with many past popes.
• 👥 It is facing the pews, symbolizing his desire to be close to the people in death as he was in life.