Pope Francis was the most powerful Christian on the world stage, using his voice to elevate the poor and the marginalized. Millions of progressive Christians in the United States, Catholics and non-Catholics alike,

Francis did away with that sort of viewing. Instead, a procession brought his coffin on Wednesday directly to St. Peter’s Basilica, where a public viewing is taking place. Francis’ body, dressed in papal vestments, his head covered with a white bishop’s miter, is lying in state to allow tens of thousands of mourners to bid farewell.

Pope Francis' funeral will happen five days after the Vatican announced his death at 88 years old on April 21, the day aft er Easter. A series of funeral rites have already begun in order to honor the pope's legacy and mourn his death.