According to the Vatican, over 50,000 people have lined up at St. Peter’s Basilica in the past day to honour Pope Francis.
The wait to see the Pope, who is in an open casket, was the longest since his body was transported to lay in state on Wednesday. It stretched out of St Peter’s Square and down the street on Thursday morning.
The Vatican City church’s entrance was supposed to close at midnight local time (22:00 GMT), but in order to handle the high number of visitors, the hours of operation were extended.
The pontiff suffered a stroke and passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Earlier this year, he had been hospitalised for five weeks due to double pneumonia.
For twelve years, Pope Francis served as the first Latin American head of the Catholic Church.
On Wednesday, the Pope’s casket was taken from his home to the basilica by cardinals in red robes and monks dressed in white.
Throughout the 40-minute parade, bells tolled, and the audience applauded, which is a customary Italian gesture of respect.
The Pope’s casket was escorted to the church altar by Swiss Guards, who are in charge of his protection.
On Wednesday, the public viewing started at 11:00 local time. Tens of thousands of people were lining the area by midafternoon.
Police told the BBC that although the church was scheduled to close at midnight, it would remain open all night to allow people gathered in the square to pass by the coffin.
While waiting after midnight with his parents, 13-year-old Edoardo told the BBC, “I wanted to see the Pope because I think he was an amazing man.” “I really apologise. However, I believe he might have a good time in heaven.
On Thursday, viewing ran until 5:30, after which it shuttered for an hour and a half before returning at 7:00. Some people turned away as the crowd grew too big.
Catherine from Birmingham stated, “We’ll return later, as it appears that it will take five or six hours.”
According to the Vatican, the Pope’s body will remain in state in the church until Friday night, when his coffin will be sealed at 20:00 during a liturgical ceremony.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Pope’s “camerlengo,” or chamberlain, who leads the Vatican until a new pope is appointed, will preside over the ceremony.
During their honeymoon in Rome, Luis and Macarena, who were from Mexico, hoped to see the Pope for a particular blessing. Luis claimed that they would feel more connected if they saw the Pope’s ultimate resting place.
Luis declared, “Pope Francis will bless us from heaven because he is a saint.”
American resident of Italy Mary Ellen stated she had taken an overnight train to the Vatican to “say goodbye.”
She declared, “I adore Papa Francesco.” He likes immigrants and is modest and gentle. I am aware that he has endured a great deal of hardship in the Vatican. To be a true Catholic and Christian, he has battled against authority and the Vatican.
Reuters Lines of people waiting to see the Pope lying in state in St. Peter’s Square
On Wednesday, there was a solemn and silent feeling inside St. Peter’s as some individuals knelt and prayed before gradually leaving.
Many stayed to take in the basilica’s breathtaking beauty.
Saying goodbye to the pope was significant to two women who had waited five hours to meet him.
“I followed everything he did for years, and even though I was only at home, it felt like I was travelling the world with him. One woman remarked, “He prioritises the poor and enjoys travelling everywhere.”
Reuters To see the Pope’s casket, hundreds of people wait in queue at St Peter’s.
The Pope had “done his best,” according to Fredrik, a Ghanaian who travelled from Poland, and “it is left to us to continue the good works.”
A Mexican vacationer in Italy named Eva Asensio claimed to have a connection to the Pope.
“We thought he was a decent Pope who stood by everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or background. With tears in her eyes, she remarked, “He brought us together.”
French resident of Rome Margaux described it as “powerful to live this.”
Pope Francis represented “hope” to her, and she valued his more liberal social stances.
She remarked, “I hope the next Pope will follow his path.”
Prince William and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are among the dignitaries who will attend the funeral on Saturday.
In keeping with his more straightforward preferences as pope, Pope Francis made it known that he preferred a smaller ceremony. He had made arrangements for a benefactor to cover the entire cost.
In contrast to the great majority of his predecessors, he will be laid to rest beneath a monument bearing merely his name in a church in central Rome devoted to the Virgin Mary.
Prior to being transferred to St. Peter’s, Pope Francis lay in an open casket in his personal chapel, praying with cardinals and Swiss Guards by his sides.
His final public appearance took place on Easter Sunday, when he spoke briefly from a wheelchair to the crowds assembled in St. Peter’s Square.
Then Jesus was transported through the gathering in a car, greeting worshippers and blessing newborns.
The Sede Vacante, or vacant seat, period, which lasts until a new head of the church is elected, has begun with the sealing of his papal residences.
