The casket of Roman Catholic Pope Francis was moved to St. Peter's Basilica on the 23rd for three days of lying in state, as thousands of faithful rushed to pay their last respects before the Pope's burial.
According to an AFP report, a large number of faithful poured into St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in the early morning of the 23rd, queuing to wait for the viewing of the Pope's remains, which opened at 11 AM.
The public can enter from 11 AM to midnight; on the 24th, viewing hours are from 7 AM to midnight; on the 25th, the opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Born in Argentina, Pope Francis passed away on the 21st due to a stroke, at the age of 88.
Montoya, a 33-year-old believer from Mexico, stated that she decided to come personally to say goodbye because Francis was like "family" to her.
She told AFP: "I had to come... It feels as if I knew him."
Italian authorities are undertaking major security measures for the Pope’s funeral, especially since the 25th coincides with Italy's public holiday.
Interior Minister Piantedosi stated that authorities expect 150 to 170 foreign delegations and tens of thousands of faithful to attend the funeral.
Italy has announced a five-day national mourning period, longer than the three days observed for Polish-born Pope John Paul II in 2005, but shorter than the seven days declared by the Pope’s home country of Argentina.