Papal procession leaves St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Francis’ coffin has begun its procession from the Vatican to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a church in Rome.
The basilica is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the Vatican. Officials said the procession will proceed at walking pace, allowing the thousands of mourners packing Rome’s streets to get a final glimpse of the coffin.
The procession will take the pope’s body past various historical landmarks, including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, before reaching Francis’ final resting place.
The final stretch of the route will travel down a wide leafy street leading to the basilica, which lies outside of the Vatican walls, on the other side of Rome’s River Tiber.
The arrival and entry to the basilica is the last time the public will see the coffin of Pope Francis. Although the burial will not be broadcast live, a rosary will be held outside the basilica, which will be open to visitors from Sunday morning.
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