VATICAN CITY (NewsNation) — The Vatican opened St. Peter’s Basilica to the general public Wednesday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, with thousands filling the central aisle and Swiss Guards standing at attention.
The public mourning period began at 11 a.m. local time after Francis’ casket was transported to the basilica from the Vatican hotel where he lived. A procession of cardinals and bishops brought Francis through the same piazza from which he gave what became his final salute in his popemobile on Easter Sunday.
Francis died Monday at 88.
The pontiff’s body will lie in state at the basilica until Saturday’s funeral and burial. The service will be held at 4 a.m. EDT in St. Peter’s Square.
President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend the funeral, and Argentine President Javier Milei‘s attendance is expected. Vice President JD Vance will not be there, a White House official told NewsNation.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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