Multitudes gather at St. Peter's Basilica, bidding farewell to Pope Francis in a solemn ceremony.
VATICAN CITY - Popes lie in state. It's a tradition that dates back to the 1300s. But when Pope Francis, the man who rejected the pomp, took his final rest in St. Peter's Basilica, something changed. The crowd that congregated to bid farewell didn't come for opulence. They were there for the man who wore simplicity in his heart and robes.
As the word spread, more and more mourners made their way to the basilica. The lines stretched for miles, and the Vatican, ever-prepared, kept the doors open all night, closing them only for a brief clean-up. By Thursday evening, more than 90,000 had paid their respects[1].
The basilica was draped in a quiet respect as the mourners made their slow procession up the main aisle. The sound of whispers and the occasional sob echoed through the cavernous space. The man who brought an open heart and love to the world was now lying in a simple wooden coffin.
Emiliano Fernandez, a devout Catholic from Mexico, was one of the many who waited in line late into the night. He knew he wouldn't reach the basilica for hours, but he didn't mind[3]. The chance to show admiration, even if only in a line, was worth every minute.
Robert Healy, a pilgrim from Ireland, was among the thousands who flew in on a whim to pay their respects. He didn't have much time, but he felt it was important[3]. The trips were quick - fly in, pay respects, fly out, and home by evening.
There were others too. A group of 14-year-olds from Milan who had come for the suspended canonization of the first millennial saint[2]. A woman who had prayed to the pope for a successful operation[3]. An Italian family who brought their small children to say goodbye[3]. They were allthere for a final farewell.
The Scorpati family from Calabria had come to Rome for an Easter vacation. But their celebration was cut short by the news of the Pope's death[3]. As they stood in line, they couldn't help but feel a sense of loss, a sense of the end of an era.
As they made their way through the basilica, the faithful joined a procession that extended from St. Peter's Square to the pope's wooden casket. It was a path of repentance, a way of seeking forgiveness. For many, it was also a chance to get a glimpse of the man who had touched their lives in ways they could never fully express.
The public viewing will continue until the funeral on Saturday[1]. After three days of being open to all, a funeral Mass will be held in St. Peter's Square. The Pope will then be interred in a niche within the St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favorite Madonna icon.
Security has been tightened around the Vatican, with drones added to the usual foot and horse patrols[4]. The area will be secured not just for mourners, but for the foreign delegations expected for the funeral. The Vatican has confirmed 130 delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 sovereigns[4].
The world will watch as the church bids farewell to a man who brought love, compassion, and hope to millions. He was not without his critiques, but his impact is undeniable. As the line of mourners continues to grow, one thing is certain: Pope Francis will not be forgotten.
*Barry writes for the Associated Press. AP video journalists Trisha Thomas, Francesco Sporttelli, and Isaia Montelione in Vatican City contributed to this report.
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Catholic faithful pay their final respects to Pope Francis as public viewing begins
Enrichment Data:
Overall: Pope Francis' public viewing began on April 23, 2025[2] and will end on April 26, 2025 when the funeral takes place[1]. The funeral Mass will be held in St. Peter's Square, after which the burial will take place[1]. More than 90,000 people have paid their respects by the evening of April 24[1].
Timeline:– Start: April 23 (public viewing opens)[2]– End: April 26 (funeral day)[1]– Hours: Nearly continuous, including overnight[1]
Location: Vatican City
Attendees: More than 90,000 people by April 24 evening[1], 130 delegations including 50 heads of state and 10 sovereigns[4]
Security Measures: Tightened security around the Vatican with drones, foot and horse patrols, and controls along the Tiber River and Via della Conciliazione[4]
Significance: Pope Francis was known for his concern for the poor and his message of inclusion, but he was also criticized by some conservatives[5]. His funeral will mark the end of a 12-year pontificate that saw a shift in the Catholic Church's focus towards social justice and environmental issues.
Sources:[1] Associated Press[2] Reuters[3] CBS News[4] CNN[5] The Guardian
- Despite the traditional pomp and circumstance, the mourners who visited Vatican City to pay their respects to Pope Francis were there for the man's simplicity and love.
- As the public viewing ended and the funeral preparations began, mourners from California joined the crowds that had congregated in Rome.
- The General News and Entertainment sections of various publications covered the integrating stories of mourners from all walks of life, including a woman from California seeking solace and a sports enthusiast finding a unique form of remembrance.
- In the Vatican, shuffling lines of mourners reached beyond just Catholic faithful; they included pilgrims from around the world and even children, such as the fourteen-year-olds from Milan curiously exploring the significance of the millennial saint's canonization.
- As the world bid farewell to Pope Francis, mourners in California joined the global community in both remembering the man's impact and celebrating his legacy of love, compassion, and hope.
