Bells toll as Pope Francis' body is transferred to St. Peter's Basilica for 3 days of public viewing

The bells of St. Peter's tolled Wednesday as the body of Pope Francis was transferred from the Vatican hotel where he lived to the basilica, escorted by a procession of solemn cardinals and Swiss Guards.

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Pallbearers carried the simple wooden coffin on their shoulders through the Vatican's archway gates leading out into St. Peter's Square, the cardinals in their scarlet cassocks processing behind and the Swiss Guards at their sides in their golden and blue uniforms.

Francis' body will lie in state in the basilica for three days of public viewing before his funeral Saturday.

Heads of state are expected for the funeral in the piazza, but the three days of public viewing will allow ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.

Francis first lay in state in the Domus Santa Marta hotel in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household. Images released by the Vatican on Tuesday showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional pointed headdress of bishops and red robes, his hands folded over a rosary.