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.

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral, taking place on Saturday in the huge Vatican square that sits in front of the Basilica of St. Peter, Rome's public transport company said.