Since then, tens of thousands of faithful have lined multiple blocks to pay their final respects to Francis, dressed in red vestments with a traditional white bishop's mitre on his head. Public visitation will come to an end Friday,

Pope Francis is breaking with tradition when it comes to where he will be laid to rest – choosing a light-filled basilica with an intriguing history instead of the grottoes of the Vatican.

The basilica will be kept open until at least midnight on Thursday to allow the faithful to mourn. Francis' funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) in St. Peter’s Square, after which the Vatican press office is expected to release details of the conclave that will elect the next pontiff.