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.

Maps, graphics explain relatively humble funeral for Pope Francis: public viewing, casket and non-traditional burial site

Among the many traditions and rituals that come into play following the death of a pope, one that has once again garnered attention following the passing of Pope Francis is the fate of the Fisherman's Ring. Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.

“This moment is critical now,” Bishop Sean W. Rowe, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, said. “For those of us who want to embody the Sermon on the Mount, and the Beatitudes, and the love that Jesus showed in the world, this is now more important than ever.”

Pope Francis died quickly on Monday morning from an unexpected stroke without suffering undue pain, and there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life, the head of the pontiff's medical team said in interviews published on Thursday.

After the death of Francis in Argentina, there is ongoing debate about why the Pope never visited his homeland. Despite declaring his attachment to the country, he avoided visiting, fearing the political consequences in a deeply divided society.