Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, has passed away after serving for 12 years. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday evening, allowing the public to pay their respects. Viewing began on Wednesday at 11:00 local time, drawing large crowds eager to honor the beloved Pope.
As the public gathered outside the Basilica, police announced that the church would remain open through the night to accommodate the many people wanting to say goodbye. Even at midnight, when the church was scheduled to close, there were still long lines of mourners waiting to pay their respects. Reports indicated that the queue had already stretched for eight hours shortly after the viewing began, and by the afternoon, tens of thousands were gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Among those who came to pay tribute was Luis from Mexico, who was on his honeymoon with his wife, Macarena. They had hoped to receive a special blessing from the Pope. Luis expressed his feelings, saying, "Pope Francis is a saint and he will bless us from heaven."
Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, traveled overnight by train to visit the Vatican. She shared her admiration for Pope Francis, praising his humility and kindness, especially towards immigrants. She mentioned that she would pray when she passed by the coffin, asking for guidance in her own work with immigrants.
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, his commitment to compassion and justice remains a source of inspiration for many. The outpouring of love and respect at St. Peter’s Basilica is a testament to the impact he had on countless lives.