Pope Francis lying in state plans in full and how to pay respects

Pope Francis died aged 88 on the morning of Easter Monday. The 266th pontiff passed away at 6.35am BST (7.35am local time), the Vatican announced. Now, thoughts will turn to Francis' funeral, which will be governed by plans approved by the Pope himself to ensure the ceremony is simplified. Previous pontiffs were traditionally buried in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead and oak. However, Francis has chosen a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc.

In addition, the Argentinian has dispensed with the placing of the Pope's body on a raised platform, referred to as a catafalque. This is usually in St Peter's Basilica and made available for public viewing. Mourners will be able to pay their respects instead while his the pontiff's body is inside the coffin. The lid will be removed. The departed Pope will also be the first in more than 100 years to be buried outside of the Vatican.

Francis will be laid to rest in one of four major papal basilicas in Rome, the Basilica of St Mary Major.

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