Bells rang out as the Pope's coffin was carried across St Peter's Square to lie in state ahead of the funeral on Saturday.

Maria Pia Caruso travelled to Rome from her hometown in northern Italy after she learned Pope Francis had died at age 88, to say a final goodbye to a pontiff she believes brought important changes to the global Catholic Church.

Pope Francis was moved Wednesday morning to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state for three days of public mourning for the Argentine pontiff remembered for his humble style, concern for the poor and insistent prayers for peace.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis’ doctor has recounted the pontiff’s final moments in a pair of newspaper interviews, saying the pontiff had his eyes open and was breathing with oxygen, but unresponsive after being stricken by illness early Monday morning. “He died without suffering, at home,” the doctor said.

From patrols on the River Tiber to surveillance drones and snipers deployed around St. Peter's Square, Rome is preparing to throw a thoroughly modern security shield around the ancient rituals of a papal funeral and its attendant huge crowds.