Pilgrims begin to gather as Pope Francis set to lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica

TheGuardian - 07:38
Italy preparing for major security operation ahead of funeral on Saturday which is expected to bring a host of world leaders including Donald Trump

Pope Francis’ body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning where it will lie in state for three days to allow Catholic faithful to pay their final respects ahead of a funeral expected to bring a host of world leaders including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump.

Francis, a groundbreaking reformer, died aged 88 on Monday from a stroke and cardiac arrest, ending an often turbulent 12-year reign in which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised.

His ...
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