VATICAN CITY (AP) – Mourners from around the world participated in a solemn procession through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who will be remembered for fostering a climate of inclusion. The public viewing commenced on April 23, 2025, and it saw such a significant turnout that the Vatican considered extending the hours to accommodate the crowds. In the first 8 1/2 hours alone, nearly 20,000 people came to honor the late pontiff.
The crowd included diverse groups, such as a church group of 14-year-olds from near Milan attending for the now-suspended canonization of the first millennial saint, and individuals seeking solace from the pope even as they faced personal challenges. For instance, a woman prayed for a successful surgery, while an Italian family brought their young children for what they saw as a final farewell to a beloved figure.
Rosa Scorpati, a mother from Calabria, stated their motivation for bringing her children was to introduce them to the pope's legacy, despite their lack of understanding of death at their young age. They were on an Easter vacation when they received the news of the pope’s death on Easter Monday, prompting their visit.
With devotion fueling the procession, mourners walked from St. Peter’s Square through the basilica's Holy Door, where they could receive an indulgence as a form of atonement amid the ongoing Jubilee Holy Year. This line twisted down the basilica's central aisle to the pope’s simple wooden casket, where the estimated waiting time grew to three to five hours.
After three days of public mourning, a funeral Mass is scheduled for April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, attended by heads of state. Following the ceremony, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a niche within the St. Mary Major Basilica, close to a Madonna icon he favored.
The 88-year-old pope's passing marked the conclusion of a 12-year pontificate that emphasized compassion for the impoverished and a message of acceptance, although he faced criticism from conservative factions who felt disconnected from his progressive views. A procession of priests, bishops, and cardinals accompanied Francis’ body during its transition from a private viewing inside the Vatican to St. Peter’s Square, showcasing a stark contrast between formal pageantry and the heartfelt interactions among the mourning public.
Laid in an open casket facing the mourners, Pope Francis was attended by four Swiss Guards at attention. As attendees reached the casket, many were seen taking photographs, capturing the moment of their last goodbyes. The atmosphere was largely characterized by gratitude, with mourners reflecting on the pope's impactful teachings.
Ivenes Bianco, visiting from Brindisi for a medical procedure, shared her sentiments about the pope's importance in promoting coexistence among diverse communities. She especially appreciated his openness toward the gay community and his commitment to aiding the less fortunate.
Another mourner, Humbeline Coroy from Perpignan, France, originally in Rome for the expected canonization of Carlo Acutis, shared that being close to Pope Francis was intertwined with her work with disabled children and the impoverished in Madagascar. Her presence served as a means of integrating her personal experiences with his philosophy.
The emotional weight of the day resonated deeply with many; Alessandra Nardi found herself reminiscing about the death of her uncle, who had a special connection to the pope through calls from St. Peter’s Square. Meanwhile, Riccardo Ojedea from Colombia highlighted that his two-hour wait clarified the profound bond humanity shares with the pope, who had left a vital legacy focused on spreading joy and kindness.
