Massive Crowds Mourn Pope Francis at Vatican Viewing

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Massive Crowds Mourn Pope Francis at Vatican Viewing \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Over 90,000 mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay respects to Pope Francis, prompting the Vatican to remain open overnight. The pope, who passed away at 88, is honored for his humble, inclusive legacy. A funeral mass and burial will follow after three days of public viewing.

Quick Looks

St. Peter’s Basilica kept doors open overnight for mourners
Over 90,000 visitors within the first day and a half
Mourners waited hours in long lines to pay respects
Pilgrims came from all over the world, including Mexico, Ireland, and France
Pope Francis remembered for humility, inclusion, and support for marginalized groups
A funeral Mass with global leaders is set for Saturday
Italian authorities tightened security with drones and patrols
Cardinals have begun pre-conclave discussions ahead of the next papal election

Deep Look

As tens of thousands descended upon Vatican City, a profound silence enveloped St. Peter’s Basilica. The occasion was solemn but historic—the world saying goodbye to Pope Francis, a spiritual leader whose 12-year pontificate left an indelible mark on Catholicism and global discourse. His death on Easter Monday at the age of 88 sparked an outpouring of grief, gratitude, and reflection that continues to echo around the world.

Inside the basilica, the late pontiff lay in state in a modest wooden coffin, his body positioned atop a slight incline to face the mourners entering through the Holy Door—a gateway symbolizing divine grace, especially during Jubilee years. Francis’ choice of a simple casket mirrored the life he lived: humble, accessible, and focused on spiritual over material values.

The Vatican, unprepared for the staggering volume of mourners, announced extended hours, opting to keep St. Peter’s Basilica open through the night. By Thursday evening, over 90,000 mourners had passed through, representing a sweeping cross-section of humanity—from heads of state to ordinary believers, families on holiday to those who traveled thousands of miles with no plan other than to stand in line and say goodbye.

A Global Tribute

The line of mourners stretched far beyond Vatican walls, winding through Via della Conciliazione and down into St. Peter’s Square. For many, this wasn’t merely a farewell—it was a pilgrimage. People stood for hours, often in silence, whispering prayers, and sharing stories of how Francis had influenced their lives.

Emiliano Fernandez, a Catholic from Mexico, waited more than two hours in the early hours of the morning and still hadn’t reached the basilica. “I don’t even care how long it takes,” he said, tears in his eyes. “This is the chance to honor a man who meant everything to my faith.”

Robert Healy from Ireland echoed similar sentiments. He and his wife made a last-minute decision to fly in from Dublin for a single day. “We knew we had to be here,” Healy said. “To be part of this moment, to pay respect to the Holy Father.”

The crowd was diverse. Among them was a group of Italian 14-year-olds on a church trip, originally intending to witness the canonization of Carlo Acutis, now postponed. Another mourner, Rosa Scorpati from Calabria, brought her young children in strollers, noting, “We missed the chance when he was alive, but we wanted to show them who he was. Even if they don’t understand now, one day they will.”

Many had deeply personal reasons for attending. A woman prayed for the pope after surviving surgery. Humbeline Coroy, from France, who works with disabled children, described her experience as one of spiritual integration: “Francis’ message connects to what I do. Being here makes it all feel more real.”

Legacy of Inclusion and Humility

Pope Francis redefined the modern papacy. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. His leadership emphasized social justice, environmental protection, and the inclusion of marginalized communities—especially the poor, LGBTQ+ individuals, and migrants.

He was beloved for his humanity, often engaging directly with the public, washing the feet of prisoners, and choosing modest accommodations over the Apostolic Palace. For these reasons, the farewell taking place is not just ceremonial—it’s intensely emotional.

Ivenes Bianco, who had come to Rome from Brindisi for surgery, shared how Francis’ messages of tolerance and unity gave her strength. “He brought people together. He made us believe that the Church could be a home for all,” she said.

Vatican Prepares for Historic Funeral

As public viewing continues, preparations for Saturday’s funeral Mass are underway. It will be held in St. Peter’s Square and attended by a global delegation of leaders. The Vatican confirmed 130 foreign delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Among them are U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

To ensure the safety of those attending, Italian authorities have launched extensive security operations. Drones hover above, and foot and horse patrols monitor the Tiber River and the main road leading to the Vatican. Lamberto Giannini, the prefect of Rome, described the security plan as robust yet flexible, aiming to ensure safety without sacrificing serenity.

Francis will be buried following the funeral Mass in a niche at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, near his favorite Madonna icon—an emblem of his deep Marian devotion.

What Comes Next: The Path to a New Pope

While the world grieves, the wheels of Church governance are beginning to turn. Cardinals have begun arriving in Rome, and by Thursday, 113 were present. Though no conclave has officially begun, they have started private discussions about the Church’s future. The conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin on or after May 5, following nine days of mourning.

The number of voting cardinals is expected to be 134, slightly lower than anticipated due to health-related absences. But for now, as French Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco emphasized, their minds are not on the future but on the present: “Right now, we are here entirely for Francis.”