Pope Francis Remembered as Faithful Throng Pays Last Respects
Thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who lay in a simple wooden coffin beneath Michelangelo's dome. The Vatican reported that by Friday morning, 128,000 people had visited, with lines stretching for hours as people from all over the world, speaking various languages, came to honor him. Security measures were heightened in preparation for Saturday’s funeral, which is expected to be attended by 130 government delegations, including 50 heads of state. Amidst the mourning, businesses near the Vatican experienced a surge in activity due to the influx of visitors. The Jubilee of Teenagers coincided with the mourning, drawing groups of young people who adapted their pilgrimage to include this historical moment of mourning for the beloved pontiff.
The doors of St. Peter’s Basilica opened early on Friday to allow thousands to pay their respects to Pope Francis, with a line that grew from a trickle to a river of people by mid-morning.
Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore following his funeral on Saturday, a place that held personal significance for him.
The Vatican reported that 128,000 people had visited by Friday morning, with attendees hearing a multitude of languages as people from various backgrounds came to say goodbye.
In preparation for the funeral, security was tightened around Vatican City, with closed roads and a significant presence of volunteer workers and civil protection staff to manage the expected crowds.
The event coincided with the Jubilee of Teenagers, leading to an unusual mix of mourning and pilgrimage, as groups of young people adjusted their plans to include the historical moment.
Numerous parishes organized trips to the Vatican, reflecting the deep impact Pope Francis had on individuals like Mattia Palumbo, a religion teacher inspired by the Pope’s teachings.
Local businesses near the Vatican experienced increased activity despite the somber occasion, with proprietors noting the economic benefits brought by the influx of visitors to the area.