VATICAN CITY — Thousands of people filed through the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday, the start of three days of public viewing ahead of the pontiff’s funeral.

Throngs of ordinary faithful made their way slowly to the 16th-century basilica’s main altar, where Francis’ simple open wooden casket was perched on a slight ramp, as four Swiss Guards stood at attention. Over the coming days, tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through the basilica, which is staying open until midnight to accommodate them.

Francis was laid out in red robes, clasping a rosary and wearing a bishop’s miter, the traditional pointed headdress. Mourners waited hours to reach the casket — which sat behind a cordon — some holding their cellphones aloft as they neared him to snap photos in what has become a modern ritual.

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People gather in St. Peter’s Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, on Wednesday.

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The ceremony with Pope Francis’ body, who will lie in state for three days, arrives at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican, on Wednesday.

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A woman sits in St. Peter’s Square as people wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, on Wednesday.

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The body of Pope Francis is placed into St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, on Wednesday, where he will lie in state for three days.

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A nun cries as the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days.