Pope's body in St. Peter's Basilica; funeral to take place on Saturday after three days of public viewing

VATICAN: The body of Pope Francis has been brought from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his papacy, to the famous St. Peter's Basilica. Mourners, including Catholic believers, can pay their last respects here.

Pope Francis' body was brought here on Wednesday morning. The body will lie in state for three days in St. Peter's Basilica before his funeral on Saturday. Meanwhile, the government has assigned Water Resources Minister Roshi Augustine to represent Kerala at Pope Francis' funeral.

The Vatican had earlier announced that Pope Francis' funeral would be held on Saturday. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 pm Indian time. Simple ceremonies will be held as instructed by the Pope. The process of electing a new Pope will begin after the funeral.