From patrols on the River Tiber to surveillance drones and snipers deployed around St. Peter's Square, Rome is preparing to throw a thoroughly modern security shield around the ancient rituals of a papal funeral and its attendant huge crowds.

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.

Pope Francis, 88, died Monday morning at the Vatican. Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell was seen sealing the door to the papal bedroom and studio at the Vatican shortly after the announcement of the pontiff's death. The pope's last public appearance was on Easter Sunday at St. Peter's Square.