Here's a look at the well-choreographed transition process and what experts including the Rev. Robin Ryan of the Catholic Theological Union and the Rev. Stan Chu Ilo of DePaul University say.

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.