The late pontiff will lie in state inside St. Peter's Basilica for three days ahead ... the most senior prelates in the Catholic Church, were the first to file up to Francis' coffin on Wednesday.

The basilica was being ... their meetings this week to plan the conclave to elect Francis’ successor, make other decisions about running the Catholic Church as world leaders and the ordinary ...

The body of Pope Francis will be moved Wednesday morning to St. Peter's Basilica ... plan the conclave to elect his successor and make other decisions about running the Catholic Church.