Pope Francis's coffin began its transfer to St Peter's Basilica Wednesday for three days of lying in state, with thousands of well-wishers gathering to pay their respects to the leader of the world's Catholics before he is laid to rest.

Crowds gathered in St Peter's Square from early morning to catch a glimpse of the Argentine pope, who died on Monday aged 88, and to begin queuing for the public viewing which begins at 11:00 am (0900 GMT).

Francis died in the Casa Santa Marta, the modest residence where he lived during his 12-year papacy. His body was moved from the chapel there to St Peter's on Wednesday morning.

Accompanied by a procession including red-robed cardinals, his simple wood coffin will enter through the central door of the basilica before being placed before the Altar of the Confession.

Anna Montoya, 33, from Mexico, said she decided to come to bid farewell in person as Francis was like "a family member" to her.

"I had to come... it feels like I knew him," she told AFP, adding: "He was a good man. He represented what the church needs to be, what Jesus wanted to teach us."

Saturday's funeral........

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