Masses give 'teary' goodbye to Pope Francis at St Peter basilica ahead of funeral processions

Pope Francis who passed away on Easter Monday had given a shockwave across the globe. His body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican ahead of his funeral on Saturday. (Image: AP)

The pontiff's body was carried on its way to St Peter's Basilica where it will lie in state for three days. Several visitors came to see a glimpse of him for one final time. (Image: AP)

Prior to the arrival of the Pope's body, a large congregation gathered as they waited for the public viewing. (Image: AP)

A woman held a picture of Pope Francis reading in Italian "Farewell Francis, thank you His Holiness, today all the people cry for you" in St Peter's Square at the Vatican. (Image: AP)

A nun cried as the body of Pope Francis is carried through the crowd. (Image: AP)

Staff made final preparations in St Peter's basilica ahead of the ceremonial processions. (Image: AP)

Security personnel stood at St Peter Square. (Image: AP)

Vatican Swiss guards stood at the Arch of the Bells where the body of Pope Francis will be carried on its way to St Peter's basilica. (Image: AP)

Pontifical Swiss guards stood at St Peter Square ahead of the arrival of the body of pontiff. (Image: AP)

Workers cleans the stairs at the St Peter Square. (Image: AP)

Devotes and nuns gathered by the statue of Pope Pius IX inside in St Mary Major basilica. (Image: AP)

Devotees prayed before the Salus populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome), a Byzantine-style painting that featured an image of Mary holding the infant Jesus inside St Mary Major basilica where pope will be buried in Rome. (Image: AP)