POPE FRANCIS: PILGRIMS GATHER AS LYING IN STATE BEGINS. (PHOTO).

Pope Francis: Pilgrims gather as lying in state begins Pope Francisās coffin began its transfer to St Peterās Basilica Wednesday for three days of lying in state, with thousands of well-wishers gathering to pay their respects to the leader of the worldās Catholics before he is laid to rest. Crowds gathered in St Peterās Square from early morning to catch a glimpse of the Argentine pope, who died on Monday aged 88, and to begin queuing for the public viewing which begins at 11:00 am (0900 GMT). Francis died in the Casa Santa Marta, the modest residence where he lived during his 12-year papacy. His body was moved from the chapel there to St Peterās on Wednesday morning. Accompanied by a procession including red-robed cardinals, his simple wood coffin will enter through the central door of the basilica before being placed before the Altar of the Confession. Anna Montoya, 33, from Mexico, said she decided to come to bid farewell in person as Francis was like āa family memberā to her. ...