VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ body was carried in a solemn procession Wednesday from his Vatican residence to St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of mourning for the pontiff who died two days ago from a stroke.
Fourteen pallbearers in black suits and white gloves transported the open coffin across St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by cardinals, priests, and Swiss Guards. The basilica’s bells tolled as a male choir chanted psalms in Latin, while thousands of mourners applauded in a traditional Italian sign of respect.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-American cardinal, led the ceremony, saying, “With deep sorrow we now accompany the mortal remains of our Pope Francis to the Vatican Basilica.”
Francis, 88, who had been hospitalized earlier this year for double pneumonia, was last seen in public on Sunday, surprising pilgrims by riding in his popemobile.
The pope’s body will lie in state until Friday evening, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. At least 200,000 people are expected to attend Saturday’s funeral, which will be attended by world leaders including US President Donald Trump and representatives from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, and Argentina.
A conclave to select the next pope is not expected to begin before May 6. No clear frontrunner has emerged, though early speculation includes Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and Pietro Parolin from Italy.
During the “sede vacante” period, Cardinal Farrell will manage the Catholic Church’s day-to-day operations.
“He’s like a member of the family,” said Rachel Mckay, a British pilgrim, describing Francis as someone who made the church “accessible and inclusive to everybody.”
