Pope Francis: World prepares for late pontiff's funeral

Heads of state, royals and mourners are due to attend the 90-minute funeral of the late Pope Francis. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Vatican time. Follow the latest.

The Vatican is preparing for hundreds of thousands of people to flock to St. Peter's Square for the funeral mass for Pope Francis, that begins with a choir singing introductory rites.

Some 250,0000 people lined up to see the pope's coffin that was moved from his residence at Casa Santa Marta chapel to St. Peter's Basilica three days ago now.

The pope's casket was closed and his coffin sealed Friday ahead of his state funeral and burial in a small church outside the Vatican's walls later today.

World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Germany's Olaf Scholz, Argentina's Javier Milei and Britain's Prince William are among those who have flown in for the ceremony.

Follow along for the latest updates on Pope Francis' funeral: