In a heartfelt tribute, the body of Pope Francis was ceremoniously moved to St Peter's Basilica for public viewing, allowing thousands of faithful to pay their last respects to the pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88.
Pope Francis's Body Transferred to St. Peter's Basilica as Funeral Approaches
Pope Francis's Body Transferred to St. Peter's Basilica as Funeral Approaches
Thousands mourn as Pope Francis lies in state ahead of his funeral on Saturday.
Pope Francis's body was solemnly transported from his residence to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning, accommodating an outpouring of grief from the public before his funeral, scheduled for Saturday. The pontiff’s open coffin was led through the iconic St Peter's Square, where throngs of worshippers gathered to honor the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, who served in the role for 12 years and died following a stroke related to a prior battle with double pneumonia.
During the procession, the atmosphere resonated with applause from the crowd, a customary Italian gesture of respect. Accompanied by red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests, Pope Francis's coffin was escorted for nearly 40 minutes by the Swiss Guards, who are tasked with the security of the Pope. The public began viewing the body from 11:00 AM local time, and many had already assembled early to pay their tributes.
Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, shared her sentiments, stating she made the journey to the Vatican to bid farewell to a leader she cherished for his humility and compassion towards immigrants. Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the Pope's progressive teachings and his ability to unite diverse communities.
International figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are set to attend the funeral. Reflecting the Pope's modest nature throughout his papacy, plans for the ceremony are intentionally understated. In line with his wishes, he will not be interred in St Peter's Basilica, but rather in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a simple tombstone bearing only his name.
Following his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he addressed the congregation from a wheelchair, the period known as Sede Vacante, or “empty seat,” has now commenced, as preparations begin for a new Pope to be elected.
During the procession, the atmosphere resonated with applause from the crowd, a customary Italian gesture of respect. Accompanied by red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests, Pope Francis's coffin was escorted for nearly 40 minutes by the Swiss Guards, who are tasked with the security of the Pope. The public began viewing the body from 11:00 AM local time, and many had already assembled early to pay their tributes.
Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, shared her sentiments, stating she made the journey to the Vatican to bid farewell to a leader she cherished for his humility and compassion towards immigrants. Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the Pope's progressive teachings and his ability to unite diverse communities.
International figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are set to attend the funeral. Reflecting the Pope's modest nature throughout his papacy, plans for the ceremony are intentionally understated. In line with his wishes, he will not be interred in St Peter's Basilica, but rather in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a simple tombstone bearing only his name.
Following his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he addressed the congregation from a wheelchair, the period known as Sede Vacante, or “empty seat,” has now commenced, as preparations begin for a new Pope to be elected.
