VATICAN CITY – Thousands of mourners gathered on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to the late Pope Francis, marking the beginning of three days of public viewing leading up to his funeral. The 16th-century basilica welcomed throngs of faithful individuals who made their way to the main altar, where Francis’ casket lay in an open wooden casket. As Swiss Guards stood at attention, visitors lined up to offer their farewells to the beloved pontiff.
In the spirit of simplicity and as per Francis’ wishes, his casket was not elevated on a bier but instead placed on a ramp, facing the pews. This arrangement reflected his belief in the papal role as that of a humble pastor rather than a world leader. Over the course of 8 1/2 hours, a staggering 19,430 individuals took the opportunity to pay their respects to Francis, each person moved by their own personal connection to his message of unity and inclusion.
For many, this somber occasion stirred strong emotions. Visitors like Ivenes Bianco, who traveled from Brindisi for medical care, emphasized how Francis had played a significant role in promoting co-existence and bringing people together. With Francis’ passing, a period of transition has begun within the Catholic Church. In the days following the funeral, cardinals will gather for a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope from among the 133 eligible voters.
The funeral, scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, will be a global event, attended by world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy. As preparations continue, the Vatican remains a place of solace for pilgrims arriving to participate in the Holy Year celebrations that Francis had initiated last December. The death of a pope marks a significant moment for the faithful around the world, signaling the end of one era and the beginning of another as they await the announcement of the new pontiff.
This period of transition will be led by the Holy Spirit, as highlighted by Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, emphasizing the universal nature of faith that transcends borders. As preparations intensify for the conclave, the hopeful anticipation for a new leader who can guide the church with truth and unity lingers among the faithful. The loss of a great leader is felt deeply, but the promise of a new beginning brings a sense of hope and renewal to those who continue to look to the Church for guidance and inspiration.