Pope Francis’ passing has led to a 283% surge in viewership for the Oscar award winning film, Conclave, which details what happens in the Vatican when church leaders decide who will be the next pope.

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Thousands have converged on St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis as he lies in state. Among them were Italian politicians including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein. The Pope's body will lie in state until Friday evening, with his funeral set for Saturday April 26 local time.

In an address dedicated to Ukraine in front of thousands in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to remain open to any "serious peace proposal".