People will be able to pay their respects to Francis through Friday. Given the large turnout of faithful wishing to pay homage to Pope Francis, the Vatican may extend the opening hours of St. Peter’s Basilica beyond the established time of midnight, the Vatican Press office said.

Pope Francis thanked his personal nurse for encouraging him to greet the crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, according to the Vatican, which said that these were amongst his last words. The Argentine pontiff,