As day broke in Vatican City on Wednesday, thousands of mourners and worshippers gathered to watch the body and the open coffin of Pope Francis be moved from the more modest Chapel of Santa Marta to the grand halls of St. Peter’s Basilica.
There, the body of the late pontiff will lie in state for the next three days before his official funeral Saturday. During that time, the pinstriped Swiss Guards will stand guard as the public files through the holy place to they pay their respects.
According to Vatican officials Wednesday, more than 20,000 mourners had already gathered in the early morning sun in St. Peter’s Square outside the basilica where they watched the procession of cardinals leading the body of the pope, held aloft by pallbearers, to his next destination.
Day breaks Wednesday in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica as Swiss Guards march ahead of the procession.
Crowds make their way to arranged seating ahead of the highly choreographed event inside the walls of Vatican City.
A nun smiles at two Swiss Guards as proceedings get underway.
The procession led by cardinals dressed in red and white makes its way into the basilica beneath breathtaking marble sculptures.
Members of the clergy slowly walk toward St. Peter's Basilica marking the start of Francis' transfer to lie in state.
Mourners gather behind draped barriers to surround the body of the pontiff as pallbearers and Swiss Guards proceed toward the basilica.
U.S. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the Vatican, carries incense next to the coffin of Francis inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
