Pope Francis, the Holy Father known for his support of the LGBTQ+ community, women in the church and immigration rights, died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after a 12-year papacy.

His death on April 21 came just one day after he greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile in what would be his final public appearance. Pope Francis had battled bilateral pneumonia and other health issues during an extended hospital stay in the weeks before his death, which was ultimately attributed to stroke and heart failure.

The body of Pope Francis was moved into St. Peter’s Basilica in a procession led by cardinals on Wednesday, where faithful were then permitted to pay their last respects. Massive lines of mourners 20,000 strong stretched through the streets and into the church, waiting to get a final moment with the Pope lying in state in an open casket.

See photos of the crowd at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Photos show mourners paying respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica

When is Pope Francis’ funeral?

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter’s Square – a solemn ceremony sure to draw leaders from around the world. 

Contributing: Taylor Ardrey, Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY