Francis did away with that sort of viewing. Instead, a procession brought his coffin on Wednesday directly to St. Peter’s Basilica, where a public viewing is taking place. Francis’ body, dressed in papal vestments, his head covered with a white bishop’s miter, is lying in state to allow tens of thousands of mourners to bid farewell.

Pope Francis died quickly on Monday morning from an unexpected stroke without suffering undue pain, and there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life, the head of the pontiff's medical team said in interviews published on Thursday.

Maps, graphics explain relatively humble funeral for Pope Francis: public viewing, casket and non-traditional burial site

After the death of Francis in Argentina, there is ongoing debate about why the Pope never visited his homeland. Despite declaring his attachment to the country, he avoided visiting, fearing the political consequences in a deeply divided society.