Vatican Opens St. Peter’s Basilica for Public to Pay Final Respects to Pope Francis as Thousands Mourn His Passing

In a solemn and deeply emotional event, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City has been opened to the public for three days to allow thousands of Catholic faithful to bid farewell to Pope Francis.

The process began early this morning, with crowds of mourners filling the central aisle of the basilica.

Swiss Guards stood watch as the late pope’s body was brought in for the public to pay their final respects.

The Journey of Pope Francis’ Casket

The public mourning period started at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. BST), after the pope’s casket was carefully transported from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the grand basilica.

As his body was moved through the crowd in a solemn procession, nuns and ordinary citizens alike wept in grief.

The procession passed through St. Peter’s Square, where the crowd broke into applause—an Italian sign of respect for the deceased.

Red-hatted cardinals, priests, friars holding candles, and the Swiss Guards marched slowly in the procession, while a male choir chanted psalms in Latin, and the bells of St. Peter’s tolled mournfully in the background.

The Final Salute of a Beloved Pope

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 after suffering a stroke on Easter Monday, was adored by millions around the world.

The emotional scene today reflected the deep love and admiration the faithful had for him.

His body, resting on a simple wooden platform, was carried by 14 pallbearers—dressed in black suits and white gloves—through the vast crowds in the piazza.

The journey to St. Peter’s Basilica brought the pope’s coffin along the same path he traveled just days ago in his popemobile, during what became his final public appearance on Easter Sunday.

Preparing for the Pope’s Funeral

The lying in state will continue for the next three days, with St. Peter’s Basilica opening its doors each morning at 7 a.m. and closing at midnight to allow as many mourners as possible to pay their respects.

On Saturday, a funeral Mass will be held, and it is expected to attract a crowd of over 200,000 people, including notable dignitaries such as Prince William, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A Reverent Ceremony at Santa Marta

Before the procession began, Catholic cardinals performed a ritual ceremony to transfer the pope’s body from his residence at the Domus Santa Marta hotel to the basilica.

The ceremony was presided over by Vatican Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is currently overseeing the Vatican’s affairs until a new pope is elected.

The body was flanked by four Swiss Guards, and priests carrying long candles led the procession from the hotel.

As the casket was carried through the streets of Vatican City, mourners stood in silence, reflecting on the pope’s life and legacy.

Memories of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, known for his humble style and commitment to the poor, had been battling health issues in recent months, including a prolonged hospital stay for pneumonia earlier this year.

His final public appearance during Easter Sunday surprised many as he made a brief popemobile tour through the cheering crowds in St. Peter’s Square.

Little did the faithful know that this would be the last time they would see him in person.

The pope’s death left the world in mourning, but his contributions to the Church and society will forever remain in the hearts of millions.

Final Farewell at St. Peter’s Basilica

The funeral will take place in the vast expanse of St. Peter’s Square, with special arrangements made for the large number of expected attendees.

Preparations are underway with water pallets, first aid stations, and heightened security to ensure the safety of those attending.

The body of Pope Francis was embalmed before being displayed in an open casket at Casa Santa Marta for the initial, private viewing by Vatican residents.

Images of the pope, lying in state in his red robes and with a rosary in his hands, have already touched the hearts of many around the world.

The Coming Conclave

As mourners continue to gather, cardinals are preparing for the upcoming conclave that will elect a new pope to lead the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff, and his leadership left a lasting impact on the Church, from his emphasis on compassion for the poor to his calls for action on climate change.

As the world continues to grieve, the cardinals will soon meet to decide who will succeed him.