Pope Francis's body lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis's body was carried in a solemn procession from his residence to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, where it will lie in state until Friday evening.

Francis, who died at age 88 from a stroke, requested a simple wooden coffin and burial at Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) in St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

World leaders including US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky have confirmed their attendance to honor the late pope, who was known for his reformist agenda and emphasis on social justice.

The first general congregation of cardinals took place on Tuesday morning, marking the start of the process to elect a new pontiff within three weeks.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. will also attend the funeral in Vatican City.