In a solemn procession, Pope Francis's body has been transferred to St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the faithful to honor the pontiff's legacy before his funeral on Saturday.
Pope Francis's Body Moved for Lying in State at St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Francis's Body Moved for Lying in State at St. Peter's Basilica
Thousands Pay Respects to the Late Pope as He Lies in State Ahead of Funeral
The body of Pope Francis was transported this Wednesday from his residence at the Vatican to the iconic St. Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state until Friday. The Pope’s coffin, adorned with flowers and carried in an open display, was escorted through St. Peter’s Square amid the sound of tolling bells and applause from thousands of mourning worshippers. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke and enduring double pneumonia earlier this year.
Accompanied by red-robed cardinals and Swiss Guards, the procession lasted approximately 40 minutes, with numerous residents and tourists joining to pay their respects as they followed. Public viewing commenced at 11:00 AM local time, drawing crowds eager to bid farewell to the beloved figure who served as the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church for over 12 years.
Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, shared with BBC her journey from an overnight train to witness this historic farewell. "I love Papa Francesco," she described, highlighting his humility and dedication to supporting vulnerable communities. Many gathered shared similar sentiments, expressing gratitude towards the Pope for his progressive social values and inclusive message.
The Pope’s funeral on Saturday is set to attract dignitaries from around the world, including UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William. Reflecting his personal preferences, Pope Francis requested a modest ceremony, opting for burial in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome rather than in St. Peter's. His final public appearance took place on Easter Sunday, where he addressed the crowd from a wheelchair, demonstrating resilience even as his health declined.
With the transition period known as Sede Vacante now activated, the Catholic Church enters a significant time as it prepares for the election of a new pope, while the memory of Pope Francis remains deeply cherished among followers worldwide.
Accompanied by red-robed cardinals and Swiss Guards, the procession lasted approximately 40 minutes, with numerous residents and tourists joining to pay their respects as they followed. Public viewing commenced at 11:00 AM local time, drawing crowds eager to bid farewell to the beloved figure who served as the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church for over 12 years.
Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, shared with BBC her journey from an overnight train to witness this historic farewell. "I love Papa Francesco," she described, highlighting his humility and dedication to supporting vulnerable communities. Many gathered shared similar sentiments, expressing gratitude towards the Pope for his progressive social values and inclusive message.
The Pope’s funeral on Saturday is set to attract dignitaries from around the world, including UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William. Reflecting his personal preferences, Pope Francis requested a modest ceremony, opting for burial in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome rather than in St. Peter's. His final public appearance took place on Easter Sunday, where he addressed the crowd from a wheelchair, demonstrating resilience even as his health declined.
With the transition period known as Sede Vacante now activated, the Catholic Church enters a significant time as it prepares for the election of a new pope, while the memory of Pope Francis remains deeply cherished among followers worldwide.
