Public viewing of Pope Francis concludes after 250,000 pay respects
The public viewing of the body of Pope Francis at the Vatican came to an end on Friday evening after three days.
St Peter’s Basilica closed its doors to mourners wishing to pay their final respects to the late pontiff at 7 pm (1700 GMT).
Shortly before, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived to pray beside the coffin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited earlier in the evening.
Since the viewing began on Wednesday, an estimated 250,000 people have passed through the basilica, where Francis lay in an open coffin before the main altar, the Vatican said.
Queues stretched for kilometres outside, prompting the Vatican to keep the basilica open throughout much of the night to accommodate the massive crowds – contrary to original plans.
A large funeral service is set to take place on Saturday in St Peter’s Square, with state leaders and dignitaries from around the world in attendance.
Following the ceremony, the coffin will be transported through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the afternoon.
