Pope Francis, the spiritual leader for 1.4 billion Catholics, passed away at age 88 after experiencing health complications. Thousands gathered in St Peter's Square to pay their respects as he lay in a simple wooden coffin lined with red cloth. True to his wishes for modest funeral rites, the coffin was not placed on a platform, marking a departure from traditional procedures. His funeral will occur in St Peter's Square and is expected to draw numerous dignitaries from around the world before he is buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
The pope, the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, died at his home in Casa Santa Marta on Monday aged 88 after a stroke and subsequent heart failure.
In keeping with his requests for simple funeral rites, Francis was dressed in his vestments, holding a rosary, with his open casket lined with red cloth.
Unlike those of most of his predecessors, his coffin, which is being watched over by two Swiss Guards, has not been not raised on a platform.
His funeral mass will take place at St Peter's Square on Saturday morning, an event that will be attended by a host of world leaders and royals.
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