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Thousands Pay Respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica
Tens of thousands of individuals have queued for the opportunity to offer their respects to Pope Francis, whose body is displayed in an open casket within St. Peter’s Basilica. The passing of Pope Francis has prompted a global outpouring of grief, with many seeking a final connection with the pontiff.
Procession and Public Viewing
On Wednesday morning, approximately 20,000 people congregated to witness cardinals in red robes and priests in white vestments accompany the coffin from the pontiff’s private residence.
- Bells rang out during the 40-minute procession.
- The assembly responded with applause—a customary Italian expression of reverence.
A nine-day mourning period is being observed in the Vatican, with Pope Francis’s funeral scheduled for Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff died on Monday following a stroke, after a five-week stay in hospital earlier in the year battling double pneumonia.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Francis made history as the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, a role he held for twelve years.
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Public Viewing Details
His body will remain in state inside the basilica until Friday evening. The public viewing commenced at 11:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Wednesday.
- The Swiss Guard, responsible for the Pope’s security, escorted the coffin to the altar.
Italian media reported that the queue extended to eight hours shortly after the commencement of the viewing. By mid-afternoon, countless individuals lined the square.
Catering to the overwhelming demand, the Vatican is contemplating extending the church’s opening hours beyond midnight.
Originally, the church was slated to close at midnight local time on Wednesday and Thursday, and at 19:00 on Friday, prior to the coffin’s sealing.
Mourners Reflect on Pope’s Impact
Luis and Macarena, honeymooners from Mexico, recounted their hope to see the Pope and receive a special blessing for newlyweds.
“Pope Francis is a saint, and he will bless us from heaven,” Luis stated, expressing that viewing the Pope’s final resting place would create a connection.
Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, journeyed to the Vatican on an overnight train to “bid farewell.”
“I adore Papa Francesco,” she expressed. “His humility, kindness, and love for immigrants resonate deeply. I know he endured many challenges within the Vatican, fighting against power structures to embody true Christian and Catholic values.” She explained her intention to pray at the coffin and request Pope Francis’s assistance in her work with immigrants.
Solemn Atmosphere Inside St. Peter’s
Within the majestic interior of St Peter’s Basilica, under the gazes of marble popes and saints, a continuous flow of people approached the Pope’s casket to express their homage.
- Some knelt in reverence.
- Others prayed quietly and made the sign of the cross before proceeding.
Many lingered to admire the breathtaking artistry of the basilica. The atmosphere was subdued and somber, despite the presence of thousands.
Two women who endured a five-hour wait to see the Pope explained their arrival at the Basilica’s queue at 09:00.
One of the women told the BBC about the importance to bid their farewell to the pontiff.
“All these years I followed all he did and it’s as if I travelled all over the world with him, even if I was just at home. He liked going everywhere and prioritises the poor,” she said.
When asked about witnessing him in his coffin, she responded: “It’s just like the man we used to see on TV.”
Global Pilgrims Reflect on Pope Francis’s Universal Appeal
Fredrik, who hails from Ghana but traveled from Poland, remarked that the Pope had “done his best,” adding, “It is left to us to continue the good works.”
Eva Asensio, a Mexican tourist in Italy, expressed a strong connection to the Argentine pontiff.
“We regarded him as a benevolent Pope—a person who championed everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or origin, he unified us,” she declared, visibly moved.
Margaux, a French resident of Rome, described it as “powerful to experience this moment.”
For Pope Francis, meant “hope,” and his increasingly advanced social perspectives held “great importance,” she affirmed.
“I hope the next Pope pursues his path,” she added.
Funeral Plans and Final Resting Place
Dignitaries worldwide, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are slated to attend the funeral on Saturday.
Pope Francis specified his preference for a more modest ceremony, consistent with his modest lifestyle as pontiff. He arranged for a benefactor to cover all expenses.
In contrast to the majority of his predecessors, he will not be interred in St Peter’s Basilica but in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, under a tombstone bearing solely his name.
Final Days and Papal Transition
Before being transferred to St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis rested in an open coffin in his home chapel, attended by Swiss Guards and cardinals in prayer.
His last public appearance occurred on Easter Sunday, when he delivered brief comments from a wheelchair to the throngs gathered in St Peter’s Square.
He then greeted worshippers and blessed babies as he was chauffeured through the crowd in his car.
Sede Vacante
His Papal residence has been secured, indicating the start of a period recognized as ‘Sede Vacante’, which continues until a new leader is chosen.