Thousands of people are filing through the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.
Wednesday is the start of three days of public viewing ahead of the pontiff’s funeral. Throngs of ordinary faithful made their way slowly to the 16th-century basilica’s main altar.
Francis’ simple wooden casket was perched on a slight ramp, as four Swiss Guards stood at attention.
Cardinals, meanwhile, met in private to finalize preparations for Saturday’s funeral and plan the conclave to elect Francis’ successor.
Francis died on Monday at age 88.
His 12-year pontificate was characterized by his concern for the poor and message of inclusion, but also criticism from conservatives who sometimes felt alienated by his progressive bent.
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