The Pope's body has now been placed in the basilica for public viewing until Friday evening. Thousands poured into St. Peter's Square, mourning the loss of the first Latin American pope, who served the Catholic Church for 12 years. As bells tolled, red-robed cardinals and priests carried his coffin in a respectful procession greeted by vocal affirmations from the crowd.

Mary Ellen, an American living in Italy, expressed her love for the Pope, recalling his humble nature and advocacy for immigrants, while others reflected on his legacy of inclusivity and kindness, desiring that his successor continues his progressive path.

Prominent world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are expected to attend the funeral on Saturday. In accordance with his wishes for simplicity, Pope Francis will not be buried in St. Peter's but in a church in central Rome, a choice reflecting his humble approach during his papacy.

His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday where he addressed the multitudes from a wheelchair, and since then, his Papal apartments have been sealed, marking the beginning of the Sede Vacante period until a new pope is elected.

The procession served as a reminder of Pope Francis's impactful teachings and the collective mourning felt by those he influenced around the world.