Public Viewing of the Pope’s Body Begins

Thousands of Catholic faithful have begun paying their respects to Pope Francis as his body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican opened the basilica to the public for three days of mourning, allowing mourners to file past his simple wooden coffin.  The public viewing began at 11 a.m. local time after a solemn procession transported the coffin from the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence, to the basilica. Approximately 20,000 mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the procession, applauding as the coffin passed.  Cardinals, priests, and Swiss Guards participated in the procession, with a male choir chanting psalms and prayers in Latin as the basilica’s bells tolled. The Pope’s body, carried by 14 pallbearers, was placed low to the ground, adhering to his request and deviating from traditional papal displays.  Mourners, including nuns and laypeople, wept as the coffin was moved through the crowd. Many crossed themselves or paused in prayer as they passed the coffin.  Pope Francis, 88, died on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he greeted pilgrims from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square.  The basilica will remain open from 7 a.m. to midnight for the next three days, allowing as many people as possible to pay their respects. The lying in state will conclude at 7 p.m. on the final day, in preparation for the funeral Mass on Saturday.  The funeral Mass is expected to draw at least 200,000 attendees, including dignitaries such as Prince William, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ceremony and Procession

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, presided over the ceremony at the Casa Santa Marta chapel, where the Pope’s coffin was flanked by Swiss Guards. Priests and Swiss Guards led the procession to St. Peter’s Basilica.  Pallbearers carried the coffin through St. Peter’s Square, following the same route the Pope took on Easter Sunday. Mourners watched as the procession passed, with many expressing their grief.  Inside the basilica, Cardinal Farrell blessed the coffin and read from the Gospel of St. John. The Pope’s coffin was placed near the Altar of the Confession, and the service concluded with prayers and hymns.

Preparations and Security

Crowds began gathering early in the morning to be among the first to enter the basilica. Officials have prepared for large crowds, providing water and first aid. Security has been heightened, with Italian police patrolling the area and metal detectors installed at key points.  A conclave to elect a new pope is expected to begin after the funeral, with Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle and Pietro Parolin being mentioned as early favorites.

Pope Francis’ Legacy

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was known for his humble style and concern for the poor. He also advocated for reform within the Catholic Church, including greater inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.  Cardinals will consider whether to continue his reform efforts or return to more traditional practices when electing his successor