The Catholic faithful and many more around the world continue to pay their respects today to Pope Francis one day after his death.

An official period of mourning began in Italy that will last through his funeral this weekend,

as security ramps up to prepare for the throngs of mourners and world leaders expected to gather in Rome.

Malcolm Brabant reports once again from Rome tonight.

Lying in an open coffin under the watchful eye of Swiss guards.

This was Pope Francis' silent farewell to the humble Vatican guesthouse that had been his home.

Tomorrow his coffin will be taken to St. Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state

and the faithful will come to pay their respects.

Today, a gathering of cardinals announced that his funeral would take place on Saturday.

Consistent with his humility, Pope Francis asked not to be interred in the

Vatican, but in a beautiful church in Rome called Santa Maria Maggiore in a simple wooden casket.

This is perhaps the last message he is giving, especially remembering that he wants to be

buried under the shadow of a woman,

in this case Mary. This is also significant in terms of the church's desire to do more for women.

The conclave to elect his successor will take place three weeks later in the exquisite Sistine

Chapel. Although theoretically the selection process could take months.

Experts predict the Cardinals will reach a conclusion relatively swiftly,

as in recent times,

in order to present a unified face to the Catholic world.

Although the conflave to elect the new Pope is not going to begin until the middle of May,

behind the scenes the debate amongst the Cardinals has begun in earnest.

Those over 80 are barred from taking part in the election,

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