The Vatican on Tuesday released the first images and video of Pope Francis in his casket at the Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where the late pontiff had lived since being elected in 2013.
The Holy See said the pope’s body will be transferred via a procession on Wednesday to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning.
Millions of mourners are expected to pass through and pay their respects.
After the funeral, the pope will be entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in accordance with his wishes.
Francis died on Monday at the age of 88 after a series of health problems culminating in a stroke, coma and heart failure.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass on Saturday.
The Vatican also released footage of Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell presiding over the rite of the ascertainment of death on Monday evening in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta:
Earlier in the day, the door to Francis’ apartment was sealed in accordance with tradition:
After Francis’ funeral, the cardinals will meet in a conclave to choose a new pope.
No date has been set, but in accordance with custom is expected to begin between May 6 and May 12.