Thousands gathered today in St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis's remains were brought to rest for

three days of viewing by the public in the 16th century basilica. The pontiff, who died Monday at the age of 88,

will be celebrated this Saturday in an elaborate funeral mass. The mourners came from all corners of

the world, some compelled by pilgrimage, others ending

Roman holidays with a visit to St. Peter's to witness a snapshot in time of the 2,000-year-old

Catholic Church. Malcolm Brabant reports again for us tonight from Rome.

The bells of St. Peter's told mournfully, as Pope Francis's coffin was carried on the latest stage of his journey to eternity.

From the guest house where he died to a temporary resting place beneath the dome of the basilica.

Pope Francis may have been a very modern reforming pontiff, but the traditions

that determined this possession were timeless and would have been recognisable to the faithful

from centuries past. For the time being, the cardinals in their scarlet robes cast aside the

politicking and horse trading that precede the election of Francis's successor.

In this most solemn of ceremonies, their duty was to honour the man who dedicated his life

to being a mouthpiece for the poor and downtrodden. Francis will line state for three days and nights

until his funeral on Saturday.

And until then, the faithful will shuffle to his casket for their moment in time and an unforgettable capsule of personal history.

I'm just outside St Peter Square, in amongst the crowds who are waiting very patiently to get a very brief glimpse

of Pope Francis as he lies in his coffin inside this very grand basilica behind me.

Many of them have been waiting for hours and will continue to do so until they can get inside

just to spend a few seconds besides the coffin of Pope Francis to say farewell. Among those seeking the shade in broiling temperatures

was American mining lawyer Rob Milbourne, who says he's on a spiritual journey.

Milbourne flew to Rome specifically to pay tribute to the late pontiff.

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