The farewell ceremony for Pope Francis began on April 23 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

On Wednesday, under the hot spring sun, thousands gathered in the Vatican to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. The streets of Rome leading to St. Peter’s Square were filled with pilgrims, tourists, and locals.

People moved slowly, lining up to enter the basilica where the pontiff’s body lay in an open casket.

Pope Francis, who was 88 years old, passed away two days earlier in his private quarters at the Santa Marta residence after suffering a stroke. His body was brought to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning during a solemn procession.

Francis, who had only recently been discharged from the hospital after five weeks of treatment for bilateral pneumonia, made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting the faithful from the popemobile at St. Peter’s Square — just one day before his death.

Cardinals in scarlet hats, monks holding candles, bishops, and Swiss Guards in ceremonial uniforms accompanied the procession to the sound of Latin psalms and the solemn tolling of a bell.

As the casket crossed the square, the vast crowd erupted into applause — a traditional Italian sign of respect and farewell.

The casket was carried up the stone steps by 14 pallbearers dressed in black suits and white gloves, escorted by Vatican officials. They entered the basilica through massive bronze doors into an atmosphere of profound silence.

The body of Pope Francis will remain in St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday evening, with the funeral scheduled for Saturday.

World leaders are expected to attend the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously clashed with Pope Francis over migration issues.

Heads of state from Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Brazil, as well as representatives from the EU and Argentina — Francis’ homeland — are also expected.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reporters managed to enter St. Peter’s Basilica only by the evening of the second day, due to the overwhelming influx of tourists and pilgrims. According to media reports, approximately 90,000 people visited the basilica since April 23.

(All photos by Elena Kim)