Pope Francis’ body transferred to St Peters’ Basilica

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THE body of the late Pope Francis was transferred to St Peter’s Basilica this morning to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday.

The Vatican announced this morning after cardinals met on Tuesday for the first time since the Pope’s death.

His funeral mass will be held in St Peter’s Square at 10 am on Saturday and Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the liturgy.

Traditional steps will take place in the process of laying a pope to rest.

Earlier this Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body was carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St Peter’s Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation with a moment of prayer.

The procession passed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The procession then exited through the Arch of the Bells into St Peter’s Square and entered the Vatican Basilica through the central door.

At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, after which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.