The Vatican has opened St. Peter’s Basilica for the public to allow thousands of Catholic faithful to pay their final respects to Pope Francis over the next three days. The pontiff’s body is on display, drawing flocks of mourners to the basilica. Swiss Guards stand attentively as people queue to see Francis lying in state.
Francis requested a simple wooden coffin, which is placed low to the ground, different from the tradition of using an elevated catafalque. The public began filing past the coffin at 11am after it was moved from Casa Santa Marta to the basilica. Many paused for a moment of prayer or crossed themselves in respect.
The mourning period sees nuns and ordinary faithful shedding tears as the coffin processes through the crowds. As it crossed St. Peter’s Square, applause broke out—a sign of respect. Cardinals, priests, friars, and Swiss Guards participated in the solemn procession, while a male choir chanted psalms and prayers.
Pope Francis, who was 88, passed away after a stroke on Easter Monday. He had been hospitalized earlier for double pneumonia. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he surprised pilgrims by riding in the popemobile.
The pope’s body will remain in state for three days, from 7am to midnight, allowing as many as possible to pay their respects. The final day will end earlier for the basilica to prepare for the funeral mass. The service is expected to draw 200,000 attendees, including notable figures like Prince William and various heads of state.
The solemn procession from Casa Santa Marta included red-robed cardinals and Swiss Guards in traditional uniforms. The faithful watched as the coffin retraced the path of his last ride through the square. Pope Francis’ decision to greet the crowd on Easter was a surprise, encouraged by his nurse despite his frail health.