Tens of Thousands Queue to Honor Pope Francis

Tens of Thousands Queue to Honor Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY — Tens of thousands of mourners have converged on St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis, whose body is lying in state following his death on April 21, 2025, at age 88.

The beloved pontiff, known for his progressive reforms and advocacy for the marginalized, passed away after a stroke and heart failure, ending a transformative 12-year papacy.

Pilgrims, locals, and tourists have formed lines stretching kilometers, waiting up to eight hours for a moment to view his simple wooden coffin, placed before the basilica’s main altar.

The Vatican has extended viewing hours to accommodate the crowds, with nearly 48,600 people passing by in the first 24 hours.

As the public viewing continues until his funeral on Saturday, April 26, the event underscores Francis’s global impact and the deep devotion he inspired.

A Historic Public Viewing

The public viewing began on April 23, when Francis’s coffin was carried from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica in a procession led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Over 20,000 faithful joined the route Francis once traveled in his popemobile. His coffin, adorned with a red robe, papal mitre, and rosary, rests on a ramp above St. Peter’s tomb, guarded by Swiss Guards.

The basilica, usually silent, hums with quiet reverence as mourners file past, some waiting since dawn. The Vatican extended hours, closing only briefly for cleaning, to manage the unexpectedly large crowds.

A Diverse Crowd of Mourners

Mourners reflect Francis’s broad appeal. Teenagers from Milan, a Mexican honeymooning couple, and a Calabrian family on vacation all joined the queue.

Luis from Mexico called Francis “a saint” who will bless them from heaven. Others, like the Scorpati family, were drawn by grief after learning of his death during their Easter trip.

The diversity—pilgrims, tourists, and locals—highlights Francis’s ability to connect with people across cultures and generations, a hallmark of his papacy.

The Significance of Francis’s Legacy

This moment blends Catholic tradition with Francis’s unique legacy. Lying in state allows the faithful to bid farewell, a ritual dating back centuries.

For Francis, it reflects his role as “The People’s Pope,” who championed the poor, migrants, and LGBTQ+ Catholics while addressing climate change. His reforms, including Vatican financial oversight, stirred controversy among conservatives, but his outreach reshaped the Church’s image. His burial at St. Mary Major Basilica, per his humble wishes, further cements his legacy of simplicity.

The funeral, set for April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, will draw global leaders and be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Afterward, the College of Cardinals will prepare for a conclave, likely starting after May 5, to elect a new pope. Names like Cardinals Pietro Parolin and逝卡爾 Jean-Marc Aveline are circulating as potential successors.

As mourners continue to gather, some controversy over photos of Francis’s body has emerged, but the focus remains on honoring a pope who challenged the world to embrace compassion and inclusion.

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