St. Peter's Basilica will be kept open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday to allow the faithful to mourn.

The body of Pope Francis will be moved Wednesday morning to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public mourning for an Argentine pontiff remembered for his humble style, concern for the poor and insistent prayers for peace.

The Reverend Alexander Ibe, parish priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Philip & St. James Church, in Bedford, said a "moment of mourning" had been triggered. "Pope Francis was a huge encouragement to me and other priests; he was the head of the church and helped direct our focus to Christ," he said.