Pope Francis' body to lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica as the faithful mourn

APNews - 07:25
Pope Francis’ body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state allowing the Catholic faithful to pay their respects to the Argentine pope.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The body of Pope Francis will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica early Wednesday to lie in state for the Catholic faithful to pay their respects to the Argentine pontiff remembered for his humble style, concern for the poor and insistent prayers for peace.

Heads of state are expected for the funeral Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, but the three days of public viewing are largely for ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.

Francis first lay in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household. Images released by the Vatican on Tuesday showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional point...
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