Approximately 250,000 people visited St. Peter's Basilica over three days to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, the Vatican reported on Friday, as public viewing ended, according to the Firstpost.

The 88-year-old pontiff, the first Latin American pope, died on Monday after a bout with acute pneumonia.

Throughout the day, people gathered on Via della Conciliazione, with many taking advantage of Italy's April 25 public holiday.

Pope Francis rests in a simple wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments with a rosary in his hands. The coffin is scheduled to be sealed in a private ceremony, Firstpost reported.

Security around the Vatican has been heightened, with restricted airspace, rooftop snipers, and fighter jets on standby. Authorities have also set up additional checkpoints ahead of the funeral