Mourners Pay Their Respects Ahead of the Papal Funeral

VATICAN CITY — Today, Pope Francis’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days before his funeral on Saturday, which is expected to draw a crowd of at least 250,000 attendees, including over 100 international delegates.

In a solemn procession earlier this morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo responsible for organizing the funeral and the upcoming conclave, led a service at the basilica. The pope's open coffin is now positioned at the Altar of the Confessio, a revered site in front of the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope.

Starting at 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. ET), thousands of mourners began gathering outside St. Peter’s Square, eager to pay their last respects. The basilica will remain open to the public until midnight on Wednesday, Thursday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Among the mourners were Ludovico and Romano, two young men from outside Rome who arrived at the basilica at 6 a.m. Wednesday. “It’s going to be an emotional moment. He was such a spiritual guide,” said Ludovico, who met the pope 15 years ago. “I wanted to come here to celebrate his life.”

In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis’s body lies in an open wooden coffin rather than the customary three coffins of cypress, lead, and oak, reflecting his desire for simplicity in papal rituals. The procession began at the Casa Santa Marta residence, where the pope lived during his papacy. He passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday due to a stroke and heart failure.

As the coffin entered the basilica at 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. ET), solemn bells tolled and mourners outside broke into applause. Cardinal Farrell, prior to the procession, held a brief service in the chapel, offering prayers of gratitude for the late pope’s contributions to the Christian community.

Pope Francis’s final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he addressed the faithful from a wheelchair, connecting with the congregation despite his declining health. Following his passing, his papal apartments have been sealed, initiating the Sede Vacante period until a new pope is elected.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

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Join us in honoring the legacy of Pope Francis as he lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Mourners, including world leaders, gather to pay their respects ahead of his funeral.