VATICAN CITY: Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Vatican on Friday (Apr 25) for a last glimpse of Pope Francis' open coffin, as world leaders and other guests began arriving for his funeral. Around 150

Italian and Vatican authorities place the area around St Peter’s under tight security.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the globe

Pope Francis died at the Vatican on Easter Monday of a stroke and heart failure, following a long illness.

“It meant a lot to me to see him, he gave us so much,” said one woman who waited in line to file past the pontiff’s casket.

As thousands are set to gather for Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, security will be on high alert with thousands of police and special forces on the ground, aerial surveillance, and an anti-drone military unit in the area. NBC’s Molly Hunter reports for TODAY.

Sister Genevieve Jeannigros, friend of Pope Francis, broke Vatican protocol to entered the restricted area to pray over his coffin.

He and his wife Sabina paid their respects to the late pontiff this afternoon.

Ireland will be formally represented at the funeral for Pope Francis, which Vatican officials have announced will take place on Saturday, April 26. Who is going to Pope Francis' funeral? Who is attending Pope Francis' funeral? Irish politicians at Pope Francis' funeral.

Pope Francis's funeral will be held in St Peter's Square, Vatican City. World leaders and thousands of mourners will be in attendance. The funeral will initiate nine days of mourning and prayers.

When is Pope Francis's funeral? Get full details about the venue, attendees, burial and the next steps by the Vatican.

Peter Obi attends Pope Francis’ lying-in-state at the Vatican, citing deep personal ties and shared values through global group Scholars Occultantes.

The late Pope Francis tried improving the Catholic Church’s relationship with Beijing by increasing engagement. Here’s what could come next.

Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Pope Francis at the Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on Friday, along with senior Indian ministers, the Ministry of External Affairs said. World News | Vatican City: President Murmu Pays Homage to Pope Francis.

The Vatican has urged people visiting the Pope's open coffin not to take pictures in front of it.