Pope’s body is on the way to St Peter’s Basilica Pope Francis’s coffin began its procession to Saint Peter’s Basilica at 8am BST, along with dozens of red-robed cardinals and Swiss Guards.

The ceremony with Pope Francis' body, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, passes through the crowd at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Later Wednesday, at St. Peter’s Basilica, the camerlengo presided over the service, known at the Liturgy of the Word, that allowed attendees to pay their respects to the late pope.

Thousands of Catholics wait in line to say their final goodbyes and pay their respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as the late pope lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.

After the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21st, 2025, his body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica. Today was the last opportunity for mourners to pay their respects, as the coffin ...