St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday reopened its doors after a brief pause in the early hours of the day, to welcome thousands of worshippers from around the world who want to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.

The body of Pope Francis will be moved Wednesday morning to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public mourning for an Argentine pontiff remembered for his humble style, concern for the poor and insistent prayers for peace.

The body of Pope Francis is now lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica. The pontiff’s mortal remains, lying in an open wooden casket, departed on Wednesday from Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guest house where lived for 12 years after his election in 2013.