George Pell lying in state in Vatican’s St Stephen of the Abyssinians church

Around 20 people were seen kneeling in prayer in the church - typically used for baptisms and weddings - prior to funeral for Australia's most senior Catholic

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George Pell, Australia's most senior Catholic, is lying in state in a closed dark brown wooden coffin behind the walls of the Vatican as preparations continue for his funeral, which will be blessed by Pope Francis.

Pell, who was the subject of damning findings by Australia's child abuse royal commission, is in a coffin on the floor of the small church of St Stephen of the Abyssinians, inside the Vatican walls.

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