VIDEO: Pope Francis' coffin transferred to St. Peter's Basilica. Check out public viewing timings

The pope's body arrived at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to lie in state before his funeral on Saturday.

Pallbearers carried the open coffin on their shoulders from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, his residence and the place where he died. They were followed by red-robed cardinals and the Swiss Guards in their golden and blue uniforms.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell led the procession. He is temporarily running the Vatican until a new pope is elected.

The College of Cardinals and over 20,000 faithful accompany the transfer of Pope Francis' mortal remains to St. Peter's Basilica.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided at the Rite of Translation from the Casa Santa Marta to the Vatican Basilica on… pic.twitter.com/uR33CZRRQ1

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 23, 2025

St. Peter's Basilica opens to the public

St. Peter's Basilica opened to the public at 11 a.m. (0900 GMT). On Wednesday morning, thousands already came to pay their respects to the Pope as he lays in state until his funeral on Saturday.

In the upcoming days, tens of thousands of people from all around the world are expected to bid the pope farewell.

The Vatican published its opening hours for the public viewing:

Wednesday, April 23: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Thursday, April 24: 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Friday, April 25: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.