There was an eerie silence over St Peter's Basilica as night fell in Rome last night.
The ambient sound of thousands making their way to the basilica for three days to pay tribute to Pope Francis had ended.
Security began to stop crowds progressing down the main street to St Peter's Square as early as 4pm.
They would not make it into the basilica before the 7pm closing time.
For the first time in three days, the vast space lay empty and the silence was palpable.
Inside, a private prayer service got under way, presided over by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
A trusted friend of Pope Francis, Cardinal Farrell placed a silk veil over the Pope's face as part of the liturgical rite.
A scroll summarising the life and ministry of the Pope was placed inside the casket before it was blessed.
The coffin was then sealed.
This morning, pallbearers will carry the coffin from St Peter's Basilica and place it in front of the altar overlooking the square below.
The dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the Requiem Mass.
The Irish delegation will include President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Other world leaders including the presidents of Argentina, Italy, France, while US President Donald Trump and former US president Joe Biden will also be there.
Cardinals will be seated on the opposite side of the altar from the dignitaries.
Several hundred thousand people hailing from all backgrounds will gather to pay their final respects.
Following the Mass, the first Argentinian and Jesuit pope will be brought by hearse through the streets of Rome to the place he has chosen to be buried, St Mary Major's Basilica.
The hearse carrying Pope Francis's coffin will travel through the heart of Rome "at walking pace", according to the Vatican.
A group of 40 people, including migrants, prisoners, homeless and transgender people will welcome the coffin containing the remains of "the Pope of the poor".
