Ceremony begins to transfer Pope Francis’ body to St. Peter’s Basilica for 3 days of public viewing

VATICAN CITY — Catholic cardinals on Wednesday performed the ritual ceremony to transfer Pope Francis’ body from his home in the Vatican hotel to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public viewing.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is running the Vatican administration until a new pope is elected, presided over the solemn ceremony in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived. A choir sang as cardinals in their red cassocks and capes stood in prayer.

This photo taken on April 21, 2025 and handout on April 22, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis in his open coffin in The Vatican. VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Images

Swiss Guards stand on the day of the translation of Pope Francis’ body, where the coffin will be transported inside the St. Peter’s Basilica, as seen from Rome, Italy, April 23, 2025. REUTERS

Francis’ casket was flanked by four Swiss Guards standing at attention. Outside, priests carrying long candles waited to lead the procession, Swiss Guards at their side, into the basilica.

Outside, ordinary faithful filled St. Peter’s Square to watch the procession enter the basilica.