Under a bright spring sun, thousands of mourners queued for hours in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, April 23, to honour Pope Francis, whose body now lies in state inside the basilica ahead of Saturday’s funeral.
Pope Francis, who led the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, died Monday, April 21, at age 88 following a stroke and heart failure.
In accordance with his wishes for simplicity, he lies in a plain wooden coffin on the main altar, dressed in liturgical vestments and holding a rosary, flanked by Swiss Guards.
Unlike his predecessors, the coffin was not elevated, reflecting funeral reforms he introduced last year.
The Vatican reported that by Wednesday night, nearly 20,000 people had come to pay their respects, many enduring long waits in the sun.
Inside the basilica, silence fell as pilgrims approached the casket.
Cardinal Thomas Christopher Collins called the procession “the most profound moment,” noting that the simplicity of the ritual reflected that of any baptised person’s funeral.
Mourners from around the world—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—shared memories and reflections. “Francis was a great pope and I think he should be made a saint too,” Vicky Cabral told The Guardian, who traveled from Argentina draped in her national flag.
The funeral Mass will be held in St Peter’s Square on Saturday morning, attended by a wide array of global leaders and royals, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and leaders from over 40 countries.
Following the service, Pope Francis will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, breaking with Vatican tradition.
Meanwhile, 103 cardinals have approved nine days of mourning, with the conclave to elect the next pope expected to begin no earlier than May 5. Early contenders include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Source: The Guardian.
