Thousands pay final respects to Pope Francis at St Peter’s Basilica

·

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.

 Photo: Cecilia Fabiano / LaPresse/ Rex / Shutterstock.

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

National Archaeological Museum in Athens plans expansion

On Wednesday the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotaki presented the new design for the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Costas Giannakodimos gives lecture in Sydney on media portrayals of the Greek Revolution

Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and Ahepa NSW Inc hold event about the Press in Greek revolution

‘Face off: Portraits’: Photo exhibit by Effy Alexakis and Yannis Dramitinos in Sydney

A photographic exhibition by Effy Alexakis and Yannis Dramitinos will be one of the Greek Festival of Sydney events for 2024.