Tens of thousands of mourners have begun paying their respects to Pope Francis, whose body has been placed in state at St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City for three days of public viewing.
From early morning, a vast queue of pilgrims, tourists, and local residents filled St Peter’s Square, waiting patiently to bid farewell to the beloved Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The Basilica’s doors opened at 11:00am local time (10:00am Irish time), allowing the public to solemnly file past the open casket, where the Pope rests in traditional papal vestments—a red chasuble, white mitre, and black shoes, with a rosary wrapped between his hands.
According to a Vatican-issued death certificate, Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that led to coma and irreversible cardiac collapse. He had previously been hospitalised for double pneumonia for five weeks.
Officials estimated that around 20,000 people were already in line when the Basilica opened.
Earlier in the day, the Pope’s coffin was transferred from the Casa Santa Marta, where he had resided during his 12-year papacy. The procession included cardinals, clergy, and Swiss Guards, accompanied by bells ringing and a Latin choir singing psalms and prayers.
The casket was carried by 14 pallbearers, as thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, applauding respectfully and capturing the moment on their phones.
From early morning, a vast queue of pilgrims, tourists, and local residents filled St Peter’s Square, waiting patiently to bid farewell to the beloved Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The Basilica’s doors opened at 11:00am local time (10:00am Irish time), allowing the public to solemnly file past the open casket, where the Pope rests in traditional papal vestments—a red chasuble, white mitre, and black shoes, with a rosary wrapped between his hands.
Final Lying in State Before Saturday’s Funeral
The Pope’s remains lie before the Altar of the Confession, beneath Michelangelo’s magnificent dome, on a red-lined wooden coffin. The public will be permitted to visit until 8:00pm (7:00pm Irish time) on Friday, before the coffin is closed ahead of the funeral on Saturday.According to a Vatican-issued death certificate, Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that led to coma and irreversible cardiac collapse. He had previously been hospitalised for double pneumonia for five weeks.
Officials estimated that around 20,000 people were already in line when the Basilica opened.
Solemn Procession to the Basilica
Earlier in the day, the Pope’s coffin was transferred from the Casa Santa Marta, where he had resided during his 12-year papacy. The procession included cardinals, clergy, and Swiss Guards, accompanied by bells ringing and a Latin choir singing psalms and prayers.
The casket was carried by 14 pallbearers, as thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, applauding respectfully and capturing the moment on their phones.
As the coffin made its way through the square, waves of applause filled the air—an Italian tradition of honour and farewell.
