VATICAN CITY – As the news of Pope Francis’s passing shook the world, a somber procession formed on Wednesday as thousands began entering St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects. The event marked the beginning of a three-day public viewing that will precede the pontiff’s funeral.
Devotees gathered in droves, making their way towards the main altar of the iconic 16th-century basilica where the pope’s open wooden casket lay. Swiss Guards stood meticulously on both sides, maintaining a solemn vigil. The Vatican anticipates a massive turnout over these few days, with tens of thousands expected to arrive to bid farewell. Due to this overwhelming turnout, there’s a possibility that the viewing hours might be extended. By the end of the first day, over 19,000 individuals had already visited to pay homage.
Draped in red robes, Pope Francis lay in repose with a rosary clasped in hand and adorned with a bishop’s miter. The mourners, some waiting for hours, finally reached the casket which was cordoned off. In a modern twist, many held up their cell phones to capture images of the moment.
Visitors like Ivenes Bianco traveled from afar to reflect on the significance of the pope — she noted he encouraged unity and co-existence, leaving a lasting impression on her and many others. He made connections across differing communities.
Unlike his predecessors, Francis’ casket wasn’t displayed on an elevated bier but was set upon a simple ramp facing the pews. This arrangement adhered to his vision of a simplified papal funeral that aligns with his belief in the pope’s role as a humble pastor rather than a global figure.
Meanwhile, behind closed doors, cardinals held meetings to complete arrangements for the funeral slated for Saturday and to organize the conclave to elect the next pope.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, concluding a 12-year papacy noted by a focus on the poor and themes of inclusion. His tenure, however, was not without controversy, as some conservatives expressed feeling alienated by his modernizing views.
Before the public viewing, the pope first lay in state at the Vatican hotel where he resided, allowing Vatican residents and staff an opportunity for a private viewing. Images showed him in a simple open casket, with rosary-adorned hands.
Wednesday began with a procession led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell as pallbearers carried the pope’s body into the basilica. The solemn march, set against the backdrop of tolling church bells, wound its way through the piazza where Pope Francis once gave his final farewell. Despite his frail health, he made a surprising last public appearance in the popemobile during Easter, assured by his nurse it was possible.
Inside the basilica, under clouds of incense and echoes of the Litany of Saints hymn, cardinals solemnly approached the casket, marking respects with bows and gestures of the cross. They were joined by bishops, priests, and nuns, with the gathering imbued with reverent silence, punctuated only by the sounds of devoted prayer and emotion-filled pauses.
As the viewing continues till Friday evening, the scene remains a testament to the pope’s profound impact on many. Rosa Morghen of Naples described the emotions as comparable to losing a family patriarch, emphasizing the personal bond many felt with Francis.
The funeral will occur on the following Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square, drawing dignitaries including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Following this, the Catholic Church will embark on a period of transition as cardinals prepare to convene a conclave. This secretive assembly in the Sistine Chapel will select the next leader from among 133 eligible cardinals, excluding two who stepped aside due to health concerns. The process is unlikely to begin sooner than May 5, with Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik predicting a brief conclave despite the inherent uncertainties. He expressed that for God, geographical origin is irrelevant.
Representatives from diverse regions, including Papua New Guinea’s sole cardinal, John Ribat, are set to participate, showcasing Francis’s efforts to diversify the College of Cardinals. He conveyed hopes for a unifying figure who can steer the church truthfully and cohesively.
Security around the Vatican has been heightened by Italian authorities, safeguarding the ongoing influx of pilgrims already present for the Holy Year celebrations initiated by Pope Francis.
Julio Henrique from Brazil reflected on the significance of the pope’s death, underscoring his centrality as the church’s leader while maintaining optimism about the future: “The thing of hope remains. Who will assume Peter’s throne?”