In the early dawn of Friday, St. Peter’s Basilica opened its doors for the public to pay their respects to Pope Francis, whose body lay in a simple wooden coffin beneath the magnificent dome crafted by Michelangelo. Initially, a slow stream of visitors turned into a flood of thousands, all seeking to say their final goodbyes before the pontiff’s funeral scheduled for Saturday. After the ceremony, he is set to be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a site that held personal significance for him.
Since Wednesday, when Francis’s body was relocated from the Vatican guesthouse where he passed away, the basilica has welcomed mourners nearly around the clock. By the morning's arrival, over 128,000 individuals had already traversed the solemn corridors. “The wait is long, but it’s understandable with how much he meant to so many,” shared Daniela Sirigu, a local resident who stood in line. The atmosphere was multicultural, filled with varied languages that echoed love and sadness, each person carrying their own personal reflection of what Francis represented.
As the day unfolded, preparations for the upcoming funeral escalated outside the basilica. Security protocols were intensified in light of the many dignitaries expected to attend, including 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs. Civil servants in fluorescent vests and members of the Red Cross took to the streets, readying themselves for the anticipated crowds and ensuring the environment remained safe for all attendees.
A noticeable change was also seen in the basiliica’s surroundings as local workers increased efforts to maintain cleanliness, a stark reflection of the growing number of visitors. The occasion resonated on many levels, uniting people from various backgrounds in their shared grief and admiration for Pope Francis, underlining the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
Since Wednesday, when Francis’s body was relocated from the Vatican guesthouse where he passed away, the basilica has welcomed mourners nearly around the clock. By the morning's arrival, over 128,000 individuals had already traversed the solemn corridors. “The wait is long, but it’s understandable with how much he meant to so many,” shared Daniela Sirigu, a local resident who stood in line. The atmosphere was multicultural, filled with varied languages that echoed love and sadness, each person carrying their own personal reflection of what Francis represented.
As the day unfolded, preparations for the upcoming funeral escalated outside the basilica. Security protocols were intensified in light of the many dignitaries expected to attend, including 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs. Civil servants in fluorescent vests and members of the Red Cross took to the streets, readying themselves for the anticipated crowds and ensuring the environment remained safe for all attendees.
A noticeable change was also seen in the basiliica’s surroundings as local workers increased efforts to maintain cleanliness, a stark reflection of the growing number of visitors. The occasion resonated on many levels, uniting people from various backgrounds in their shared grief and admiration for Pope Francis, underlining the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
