On the first day of public viewing for Pope Francis, thousands of citizens from around the globe line up to honor his legacy as preparations for his funeral commence.
A Sea of Souls: Thousands Gather to Honor Pope Francis
A Sea of Souls: Thousands Gather to Honor Pope Francis
A poignant farewell at St. Peter's Basilica as mourners gather to pay their final respects to the beloved Pontiff.
The doors of St. Peter's Basilica swung open at 5:40 a.m. on Friday, allowing a steady stream of mourners to enter and pay their respects to Pope Francis, who lay in a modest wooden coffin beneath Michelangelo's magnificent dome. The morning began with a trickle of visitors, which quickly transformed into a deluge as thousands sought to say their final goodbyes on the last day of public viewing before the funeral scheduled for Saturday.
By 8 a.m., over 128,000 people had passed through the basilica, a testament to the profound impact the pontiff had on his followers. Among the visitors was Daniela Sirigu, a Roman resident, who expressed her feelings: “It meant a lot to me to see him, he gave us so much.” As she stood in line, she was struck by the diversity of languages and cultures represented around her, each echoing the international compassion for the late pope.
With the funeral approaching, the Vatican ramped up security measures, and road closures were implemented in preparation for the anticipated influx of around 130 government delegations, which include 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Volunteers clad in lime-green vests and Red Cross workers were stationed nearby to assist those in need and manage the growing crowds.
As the procession continued, even workers maintaining the area remarked on the increased activity, underscoring the significance of the moment in both religious and global contexts.
By 8 a.m., over 128,000 people had passed through the basilica, a testament to the profound impact the pontiff had on his followers. Among the visitors was Daniela Sirigu, a Roman resident, who expressed her feelings: “It meant a lot to me to see him, he gave us so much.” As she stood in line, she was struck by the diversity of languages and cultures represented around her, each echoing the international compassion for the late pope.
With the funeral approaching, the Vatican ramped up security measures, and road closures were implemented in preparation for the anticipated influx of around 130 government delegations, which include 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Volunteers clad in lime-green vests and Red Cross workers were stationed nearby to assist those in need and manage the growing crowds.
As the procession continued, even workers maintaining the area remarked on the increased activity, underscoring the significance of the moment in both religious and global contexts.
