Thousands flooded through the walls of Vatican City as a procession of cardinals and pallbearers brought the body of the late pontiff into St. Peter's Basilica.

Throngs of Catholics made their way slowly to the 16th century basilica's main altar, where Francis' simple open wooden casket was perched.

Numerous leaders will travel to Vatican City, the papal enclave surrounded by Rome, Italy, for the funeral services of Pope Francis. The beloved religious head died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after a long series of health complications stemming from chronic lung disease.

A pope’s death is confirmed by the head of the Vatican’s health department and the cardinal chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, who becomes the Vatican’s de facto administrator. The pope’s body is dressed in a white cassock and brought to the pope’s private chapel.