VATICAN CITY (AP) – On Wednesday, Peruvian nun Alba Socola devoted nearly five hours in line along with thousands of other Catholics to gain entry into St. Peter's Basilica. This was her opportunity to pay her final respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Socola expressed that the lengthy wait was worthwhile, as it allowed her to engage in a special moment of prayer.
Despite the long line, Socola, 27, articulated her belief that this moment was significant. "It's like praying for our church and asking the Lord, through the intercession of the pope, to continue guiding us," she stated while patiently waiting to enter the iconic basilica. This event marked the beginning of three days of public viewing preceding the funeral scheduled for Saturday.
The Vatican has announced that, due to the overwhelming turnout, it may extend the opening hours of St. Peter's Basilica, possibly keeping it open past midnight. This reflects the unprecedented interest from the public in honoring the legacy of Pope Francis.
Socola highlighted the pope's encouragement for younger generations to engage more actively within the church. As she approached the coffin of Pope Francis, she found herself in a deep moment of reflection and prayer, emphasizing the importance of calling for peace in the world. "It was a moment to pray for the entire Catholic Church," she said, conveying the thrill of being there in that solemn space.
Following her moment of prayer, Socola took a photograph with fellow nuns before departing St. Peter’s Square. The atmosphere was heavy with both mourning and a sense of community as many gathered to honor a pope whose 12-year pontificate was marked by a message of inclusion and compassion, particularly for the underprivileged.
Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis faced both admiration and criticism. While many lauded his progressive views and commitment to social issues, some conservative factions within the church felt alienated by his modernizing approaches. His death has sparked reflection among Catholics around the world, particularly as they gather to remember his contributions and legacy.
In the wake of his passing, the global Catholic community is invited to reflect on Pope Francis's vision for the Church and the values he championed during his time as pontiff. His commitment to outreach and his progressive messaging have left a lasting impact, calling on the faithful to carry forward his ideals.
