VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people have begun filing through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis at the start of three days of public viewing ahead of his funeral. Tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through the basilica. The Vatican says it may keep the basilica open past midnight due to high turnout. Mourners have been waiting hours to reach the casket during the procession. Francis died on Monday at age 88 and his funeral is on Saturday. Cardinals met in private on Wednesday to finalize preparations and plan the conclave to elect Francis’ successor.