As the world bids adieu to a leader who endeared himself to millions, Pope Francis’s body is now lying in state, inviting the faithful to honor his legacy.
Pope Francis Laid to Rest: The World Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Pontiff
Pope Francis Laid to Rest: The World Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Pontiff
An outpouring of love and respect as Pope Francis's coffin is transported through Vatican City for a final farewell at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The procession honoring Pope Francis took place on Wednesday, spanning from his residence at the Vatican to the iconic St. Peter’s Square, amid a backdrop of warm sunlight and heartfelt tributes. Credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters
By Emma Bubola, RealTime Wire – April 23, 2025
Pope Francis's coffin was solemnly transported through Vatican City and into the historic St. Peter’s Basilica this Wednesday as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to the beloved pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The procession commenced under a glorious Roman sun, with a vibrant display of red-hatted cardinals, bishops adorned in violet capes, and the famous Swiss Guards in their traditional striped uniforms, all bearing witness to the significance of this moment.
As Latin hymns filled the air, the coffin was carefully carried across the central aisle and placed beneath the majestic Bernini bronze canopy, where a choir offered melodies evoking the names of Catholic saints. The pope's body, clad in papal garments and adorned with a white bishop’s miter, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing believers the opportunity to come forward and pay tribute in the days leading up to the funeral scheduled for Saturday.
Long lines formed outside St. Peter’s Basilica as faithful from around the globe made their way to honor the pontiff. Many had trekked thousands of miles, underscoring the profound sense of connection fostered by Pope Francis during his tenure. "With Pope Francis, we always feel loved," noted Marian Manalo, 63, visiting from the Philippines. Her friend, Delta Canela, echoed the sentiment, stating, "The Philippines were very close to his heart."
As the world mourns, leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend the forthcoming funeral, marking the end of an era in the Catholic Church and the legacy of a pope who touched lives far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
Emma Bubola reports from Rome, providing a touching account of the tributes honoring a figure whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
