Pope Francis’ Body Lies In State For Public Mourning

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica following his death on Monday at the age of 88. His body was solemnly moved from his Vatican residence to the basilica, where thousands of mourners have lined up to pay their respects.

The spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics died on April 21 after battling a prolonged illness. His funeral is set for this Saturday.

Security has been ramped up across Rome, with 2,000 officers deployed, and the city’s airspace is set to close for the ceremony. Francis led the Church for over a decade and has been praised for his humility and reforms.