Live: Public mourning for Pope Francis begins at St. Peter's Basilica

VATICAN CITY (NewsNation) — The Vatican opened St. Peter’s Basilica to the wide nationalist Wednesday to wage their last respects to Pope Francis, with thousands filling the cardinal aisle and Swiss Guards lasting astatine attention.

The nationalist mourning play began astatine 11 a.m. section clip aft Francis’ casket was transported to the basilica from the Vatican edifice wherever helium lived. A procession of cardinals and bishops brought Francis done the aforesaid piazza from which helium gave what became his last salute successful his popemobile connected Easter Sunday.

Francis died Monday astatine property 88.

The pontiff's assemblage volition prevarication successful authorities successful the basilica until Saturday’s ceremonial and burial. The work volition beryllium held astatine 4 a.m. EDT successful St. Peter’s Square.

President Donald Trump said helium and archetypal woman Melania Trump program to be the funeral, and Argentine President Javier Milei‘s attendance is expected. Vice President JD Vance volition not beryllium there, a White House authoritative told NewsNation.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.