Thousands of people queued at the Vatican to see Pope Francis's body. Mourners waited about eight hours to pay their respects to the pontiff inside St Peter's Basilica where he lies in state.

Some told NBC News they had to wait hours just to enter St Peter's, to then queue more once inside the building. Sky News reported that the Vatican said it's taking mourners eight hours for people to get to the pope and people may have to come back tomorrow.

's body was moved from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica to lie in state on Wednesday morning. The faithful filed past as cardinals continue to make the necessary preparations for the pontiff's funeral on Saturday, April 26. The ceremony will begin at 10am local time (9am BST).

Speculation has begun as to who could be , and the latest predictions have suggested that one potential candidate is now the favourite. Pietro Parolin has served as the Vatican's Secretary of State since 2013 and as a member of the Council of Cardinals since 2014. He is expected to preside over the 2025 papal conclave, and the has given him odds of 15/8 of succeeding Francis.

But he is not the only man who could take on the role, as others have also been given favourable odds.

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