Pope Francis’s body lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis’s body is lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica.

Today More than 20,000 people gathered at the Vatican as mourners to file past Pope Francis’s open coffin

The open coffin will stay in front of the Papal Altar during the three days of public mourning

Bells rang and people applauded as the procession made its way through St Peter’s Square.

Various Church leaders in Zambia  have described the late POPE as an exemplary leader.

Catholic Priest LEONARD NAMUVUMBA says the POPE was very transformative and   helped the church become more inclusive by reaching out to the world.

Speaking on ZNBC’s the Update Programme, Father NAMUVUMBA said the Pope’s death is a sad moment for the Catholic Church as they have lost a leader and Parent.

Father  NAMUVUMBA, who is in charge of Catholic Education in Zambia, has since thanked the Vatican for updating the world on his health until the time of his demise.

He, however, says it is not yet established who will be the next pope as it is a process to be done and carried out by the over 1-hundred and 32 Cardinals.

And the Council of Churches in Zambia Secretary General Bishop  EMMANUEL CHIKOYA says the POPE was an inspiration to the body of Christ.