Thousands gather to honor Pope Francis as his legacy is celebrated and the faithful reflect on his impactful twelve-year tenure.
**Final Farewell: Pope Francis's Body Lies in State at St. Peter's Basilica**
**Final Farewell: Pope Francis's Body Lies in State at St. Peter's Basilica**
As people across the globe pay tribute to a transformative leader, Pope Francis's body is laid to rest for public viewing in a somber ceremony.
The body of Pope Francis has been solemnly transported from his Vatican residence to St. Peter's Basilica, allowing worshippers the opportunity to pay their final respects before his funeral scheduled for Saturday. The ceremony commenced Wednesday morning with the Pope's open coffin, carried in a dignified procession through St. Peter's Square, where an emotional crowd gathered. As bells tolled overhead, attendees expressed their respect through applause, a traditional gesture in Italy.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke and double pneumonia, which had previously caused a five-week hospitalization earlier this year. Known for being the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, he served as pontiff for twelve transformative years.
The procession, lasting just under forty minutes, involved red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests accompanying the coffin from the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse to the Basilica. Swiss Guards, the Pope's protectors, were also present as the coffin was brought to its resting place.
Public viewing commenced at 11:00 local time on Wednesday and will continue until Friday evening. Crowds began to gather early to honor his memory, with many heartfelt stories emerging from attendees. American resident Mary Ellen journeyed from the outskirts of Italy to bid farewell, delighting in the Pope's humility and compassion for immigrants. “He fought against power to be a true Christian,” she reflected.
From Ghana, Fredrik conveyed that Pope Francis "did his best" and emphasized the responsibility of others to continue his work. Eva Asensio, visiting from Mexico, shared tears and pride, recalling how the Pope "supported everyone, regardless of their background." Margo, a French local, described visiting as "powerful" and expressed hope for the future of the Church and a potential successor who embodies similar progressive values.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are expected to attend the upcoming funeral. In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis had planned for a smaller, simpler ceremony, which reflects the modest expression of his time in office. Uniquely, he will not be laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica, opting instead for a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, marked only with his name on the tombstone.
Previously lying in the chapel of his residence, his coffin was guarded by clergy members in prayer. His recent public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he addressed the gathered congregation briefly from a wheelchair, exemplifying his resilience in the face of health challenges. The period known as Sede Vacante, or vacant seat, has begun, indicating the time until a new head of the Church is appointed.
