A conclave to choose a new pope normally takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning this conclave should not start before May 6.

A procession to move the body of Pope Francis to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public viewing ended Wednesday morning, where thousands had already filled the central aisle.

Throngs of Catholics made their way slowly to the 16th century basilica's main altar, where Francis' simple open wooden casket was perched.