Importance Score: 82 / 100 🟢
Mourners Queue for Hours to Pay Respects to Pope Francis
Over 20,000 individuals have gathered at the Vatican, forming lengthy queues that stretch for up to eight hours, as they wait to offer their final respects to the late Pope Francis. St. Peter’s Basilica opened its doors to the public, allowing mourners to bid farewell to the pontiff, who is lying in state for three days. The immense turnout underscores the profound impact of Pope Francis on the Catholic community and beyond.
Public Viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica
Thousands File Past the Pontiff’s Coffin
Thousands have already processed through the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica. Many are visibly emotional, with some weeping, while others pause for a moment of silent prayer as they pass by the Pope’s open coffin. The atmosphere is filled with solemnity and reverence, reflecting the deep connection people felt with Pope Francis.
Waiting Times and Queue Management
- Worshippers have reported waiting as long as five hours to enter St. Peter’s, followed by an additional hour-long queue inside the basilica.
- Tens of thousands are currently lined up in three separate queues.
- Mourners have noted that the queues are moving at a ‘fairly quick’ pace, as people are promptly guided out after paying their respects.
Brief Final Goodbyes
One attendee recounted that their final farewell was fleeting, simply blowing a kiss towards the Pope’s open casket. Despite the brevity of the moment, it held deep personal significance.
Potential Midnight Closure
Vatican sources indicated that the extensive queues, with an estimated eight-hour wait time, may necessitate closing St. Peter’s at midnight. This could potentially prevent those at the back of the line from having the opportunity to pay their respects.
Extended Viewing Hours Considered
The Vatican has indicated in a statement that the period for public viewing of Pope Francis’ body may be prolonged past midnight to accommodate the large number of visitors. The basilica will re-open at 7am the following day and remain open until at least midnight to allow as many people as possible to file past. The final day of lying in state will conclude at 7pm to facilitate preparations for the Pope’s funeral mass on Saturday.
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Expected Attendance
Tens of thousands are anticipated in the coming days. At least 200,000 are projected to attend the funeral service on Saturday.
Procession and Ceremony
The Pope’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for three days of public mourning. He is remembered for his humble style and concern for the poor. Crowds of devotees made their way to the basilica’s main altar. Francis’ simple open wooden casket sat on a ramp. The procession of mourners stretched through the Holy Door along the central aisle.
Details Of The Vigil
- Francis was laid out in red robes, clasping a rosary and wearing a bishop’s mitre.
- Mourners waited hours to reach the casket, some holding cell phones to snap photos.
Reflections from Mourners
One mourner, Ivenes Bianco, who traveled from Brindisi for medical care, stated, “He was important to me because he encouraged co-existence. He brought many people together.”
Cardinal Preparations
Cardinals met to finalise preparations for Saturday’s funeral and plan the conclave to elect Francis’ successor. Francis died on Monday at age 88 after serving for 12 years. His papacy was marked by his progressive message.
Solemn Procession to St. Peter’s Basilica
The public mourning commenced at 11am (10am BST). The late pontiff’s casket was moved from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the basilica. Mourners, including nuns and laity, shed tears. The coffin was moved through the crowd in a solemn processional. As the coffin crossed St. Peter’s Square, the crowd repeatedly applauded – a traditional Italian sign of respect. Cardinals, priests, candle-carrying friars, and Swiss Guards walked slowly as a choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin while the great bells of the basilica tolled. The body of the 88-year-old pope, who died after suffering a stroke on Easter Monday, was held aloft on a wooden platform by 14 pallbearers in white gloves and black suits.
Remembering Pope Francis’ Final Days
Pope Francis, who spent five weeks in hospital being treated for double pneumonia this year, last appeared in public on Easter Sunday. He surprised pilgrims by being driven around the packed square in his popemobile. The procession of cardinals and bishops echoed his final salute on Easter Sunday.
Notable Attendees at the Funeral
His funeral will be attended by Prince William, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Transfer Ceremony from Casa Santa Marta
Catholic cardinals performed the ritual ceremony to transfer Francis’ body to St. Peter’s.
Vatican Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell presided in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta.
Francis’ casket was flanked by four Swiss Guards. Pallbearers carried the coffin through the archway gates into St. Peter’s Square. Mourners watched as Francis’ casket passed along the same path traveled on Easter Sunday. The late pope’s open wooden coffin was carried by pallbearers the 500 metres from the Casa Santa Marta.
Francis’ Last-Minute Decision
It was a surprise salute, which Francis decided at the last minute despite his frail health.
Vatican Preparations & Security
An honor guard of 18 Swiss Guards lined up in front of St. Peter’s Basilica just before 9am (8am BST). Cardinal Farrell read a prayer in Latin. A choir sang as cardinals in prayer. The ceremony from inside the Santa Marta chapel was relayed on giant screens. Four ushers then wheeled the coffin from the chapel. The bell on the left side of St. Peter’s began tolling at 9.10am. The procession passed through the Piazza Santa Marta and the Piazza dei Protomartiri before entering St. Peter’s Square through the Arch of Bells. Twelve pallbearers, dressed in pale blue suits, carried the open coffin shoulder height. As they walked, the tolling bells and chanting Latin prayers to added to the solemn atmosphere. Priests carrying candles flanked the coffin along with an guards. Around 20,000 people had gathered in St. Peter’s square, under a fierce sun with temperature already 20C.
Cardinal Farrell’s Blessing
The coffin entered through the central doors and Cardinal Farrell blessed it with holy water and incense. Cardinal Farrell said: ‘Brothers and sisters, let us pray to God our Father, that he may welcome our departed Shepherd, to his eternal home, and increase our faith in the resurrection of the dead.’ At this applause broke out among the faithful before the service concluded 75 minutes after it had started as people prayed.
Details Surrounding Pope Francis’ Death
The late pope’s doctor has spoken for the first time today, insisting that Francis ‘did not suffer’.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri’s Observations
Dr Sergio Alfieri, who treated the pope, was among the first to arrive at the Vatican on Monday. He said: ‘When I got to Santa Marta, he was on oxygen and had a drip, but he wasn’t alert. It wasn’t a respiratory problem; he was in a coma, and he didn’t know it. He didn’t realise it, but he had a blood clot, most likely from a stroke. Then I listened to both lungs, and it wasn’t a breathing problem, I can say that it wasn’t a breathing problem, and he didn’t suffer.’
Additionally, Francis visited inmates in jail last week on Maundy Thursday. Dr Alfieri shared how the ‘Pope had been heartbroken that he hadn’t been able to wash the prisoners feet’.
Practical Information for Mourners & Future Plans
Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Those waiting to file past the coffin have been told to expect a long wait. Pallets of water bottles have been stockpiled. First aid tents have also been set up. Italian police have tightened security to secure the site for the funeral. Metal detectors have been installed. Sharp shooters will be positioned on rooftops for Saturday’s funeral. A conclave to choose the new pope is not expected to start before May 6.
Anticipated Successors
There is no clear frontrunner to succeed Francis. British bookmakers have singled out Luis Antonio Tagle as a candidate. Some 135 cardinals are eligible to participate in the secretive conclave.
Anders Arborelius Suggests
Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius said his fellow electors should look beyond Europe.
Preparing Pope Francis’ Body For Viewing
Ahead of his lying in state the pontiff’s body was embalmed and given a touch of make up. Francis first laid in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household.
Images released by the Vatican showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional headdress and robes, his hands folded over a rosary. The Vatican’s No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was pictured praying by Francis.
Continuing Cardinal Meetings
Cardinals are continuing their meetings this week to plan the conclave to elect Francis’ successor.
History’s first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change. He last appeared in public on Sunday. He had some reservations about looping through the square packed, but was thankful that he had greeted the crowd. He died the next morning.