"It's a very real special moment for all, for all Christianity," Fortunato said. Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Dec. 24, 2024.

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.

The Pope’s body was transferred from Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence, to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell presiding over the rite of translation.

"The last thing I imagined was an American pope," said Daniel Runde, 21, a Catholic from the United States who was in St. Peter's Square with two friends.

Catholic cardinals on Wednesday performed the ritual ceremony to transfer Pope Francis’ body from his home in the Vatican hotel to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public viewing.

St. Peter’s Basilica to Exhibit Veronica’s Veil on April 6 This cloth, according to tradition, was used to wipe the face of Jesus on his way to Calvary and bears the true image of Christ’s face.