Francis did away with that sort of viewing. Instead, a procession brought his coffin on Wednesday directly to St. Peter’s Basilica, where a public viewing is taking place. Francis’ body, dressed in papal vestments, his head covered with a white bishop’s miter, is lying in state to allow tens of thousands of mourners to bid farewell.

The body of Pope Francis was carried in a solemn procession Wednesday from his residence within the walls of the Vatican City to St. Peter's Basilica.

Cardinals accompanied Pope Francis’s coffin as it was carried on April 23 through St. Peter’s square, where worshippers applauded the late pope.