Vatican

People lined up from the early hours of Sunday for a farewell to Pope Francis at his simple tomb in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

The 77-year-old Irish-born priest is currently serving as camerlengo, a position which makes him acting head of the Holy See.

The late pope’s passing was announced earlier on Monday morning with bells tolling in Catholic churches from Latin America to Asia and across Rome as the news spread around the world.

The Vice President of the United States, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, met the Pope at the Vatican. The pontiff had repeatedly criticised the US’ tough anti-immigration policies.

The Vatican said in a statement on Saturday, that Pope Francis would not lead Sunday prayers again this weekend, the second week in a row he has to cancel his personal appearance.

The 88-year-old pontiff, despite battling pneumonia and a severe bronchial infection, was alert and responsive, Meloni stated on Wednesday.

The ageing Catholic leader’s health has been a matter of public concern for some time.

The move marks a major step in Pope Francis’ aim to give women more leadership roles in the church, while standing firm on not allowing them to be ordained as priests.