By Robert Messer, Emelie Herrmann

Vatican City - Until now, the late Pope Francis (†88) lay in state in his residence in the Vatican, but now his body has been transferred to St. Peter's Basilica.

The dead pontiff was carried into the church in an open coffin from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence, where Francis had died on Monday, accompanied by an honor guard of eight men from the Swiss Guard.

Numerous cardinals also took part in the procession. Once again, the largest bell in St. Peter's Basilica rang out the funeral knell.

The first visitors were allowed into St. Peter's Square at 7.30 a.m., where they waited for the dead Pope Francis to be laid out in public.

As the coffin was carried into the square, the crowd erupted into applause. A liturgy of the word will now take place in the church.

The gates of St. Peter's Basilica will then be opened to the faithful from 11 am. Up to tens of thousands are expected to bid farewell to Francis at the open coffin.

Francis will now lie in state until Friday evening. The body cannot be seen in a catafalque, i.e. a high bier, but in a simple wooden coffin.

At the request of the deceased Pope, the papal crosier is not lying next to the coffin as a symbol of power.

The large funeral service with state guests from all over the world will be held on Saturday, followed by the burial.