Pope Francis Laid to Rest in St. Peter's Basilica

Thousands of people filed through St. Peter's Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday, the start of three days of public viewing ahead of the pontiff's funeral. Throngs of ordinary faithful made their way slowly to the main altar, where Francis' simple wooden casket was perched on a slight ramp, as four Swiss Guards stood at attention.

Cardinals met in private to finalize preparations for Saturday's funeral and plan the conclave to elect Francis' successor. Francis died on Monday at age 88, capping a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and message of inclusion, but also some criticism from conservatives who sometimes felt alienated by his progressive bent.

"We'll see what the Holy Spirit says," said South Korean Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, who heads the Vatican's office for priests. Asked if the next pope could come from Asia, where the Catholic Church is growing, he insisted: "For the Lord, there's no East or West."

Papua New Guinea's first and only cardinal, John Ribat, prepared to leave for Rome to participate in the vote, pleased to represent the poor South Pacific island nation of 12 million people and more than 800 languages in a College of Cardinals that Francis greatly diversified over 12 years.

"The important thing is that … Papua New Guinea is part of the church, the global church. And to be able to have a representative from here to be in the conclave, it is a big thing," Ribat told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. He said he hoped the next pope would be someone who could lead the church in "a way that is truthful and binds everyone together."

Francis first lay in state in the Domus Santa Marta hotel in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household. Once inside the basilica, Francis' casket wasn't put on an elevated bier — as was the case with past popes — but placed on a ramp, facing the pews. It was in keeping with Francis' wishes for all the rituals surrounding a papal funeral to be simplified to reflect his belief that the pope's role is that of simple pastor, not world leader.

"For me, Pope Francis represents a great pastor, as well as a great friend to all of us,’’ said Micale Sales, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica from Brazil.

Italian police have tightened security for the viewing and the funeral, carrying out foot and horse patrols around the Vatican, where pilgrims continued to arrive for the Holy Year celebrations that Francis opened in December. The faithful who walk through St. Peter’s Holy Door during such years are granted indulgences, a way to help atone for sins.

"I think he spread a positive message around the world, saying there shouldn’t be any violence, there should be peace around the world,’’ said Amit Kukreja, from Australia.