Following Pope Francis's death, large crowds gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects as his body lay in state, drawing a diverse array of people from around the world. The atmosphere among the mourners was one of communal reflection rather than sorrow, with attendees sharing stories and connections. Individuals like Shawn Hopkins and Chelsea Yu found personal significance in the event, reflecting on themes of faith, community, and mortality. Despite the pope's divisive legacy, attendees appreciated his inclusive values and the unity his passing inspired. The reporter, not typically religious, felt compelled to join the line and bid farewell, experiencing a poignant moment of connection with history and the collective human experience.

People from various countries and backgrounds gathered at St. Peter's Basilica to honor Pope Francis, with languages such as Italian, Spanish, and English heard among the crowd. This gathering included nuns, older individuals, and youth groups, reflecting a broad spectrum of attendees united in respect.

The mood was more cheerful than mournful, with the line to see the pope's body being compared to any long queue, characterized by moments of distraction and interaction rather than solemnity, yet maintaining a respectful tone.

Shawn Hopkins, a sheriff's deputy on vacation from Michigan, shared his reasons for attending, including honoring his faith and his late partner. He emphasized the community aspect of the event and the pope's appeal beyond political agreements.

Chelsea Yu, a young woman from Taiwan, expressed her emotional response to seeing the pope's body, linking it to her personal explorations of death and her admiration for Francis's values of inclusivity and environmental protection.

The organization of the event involved basic security measures and volunteer guidance, with the serene atmosphere occasionally punctuated by minor disruptions, which were handled with calm and efficiency.

Inside the basilica, visitors were reminded of the opulence of the setting, but were quickly redirected towards the solemnity of the occasion by security personnel, reinforcing the event's significance.

The reporter, though not religious, was moved to participate in the farewell, reflecting on the profound human connection and historical significance of the moment, symbolized by the brief, yet meaningful, encounter with the pope's coffin.