More than 20,000 mourners have formed eight-hour queues at the Vatican as they wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis today. St. Peter's Basilica was opened to the public this morning so the faithful can say their final goodbyes to Francis as he lies in state for the next three days. T»»»

Francis' body will lie in state in the basilica until Saturday’s funeral and burial. VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican opened St. Peter’s Basilica to the general public Wednesday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, with thousands of people filling the central aisle and Swiss Guards standing »»»

The bells of St. Peter's tolled Wednesday as the body of Pope Francis was transferred from the Vatican hotel where he lived into the basilica, escorted by a procession of solemn cardinals and Swiss Guards through the same piazza where the pontiff had greeted the faithful from his popemobile just da»»»