Thousands Gather at St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Francis Lies in State

St. Peter’s Basilica remained open overnight this week to allow thousands of mourners the opportunity to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

According to the Vatican, more than 50,000 people viewed the late pontiff’s body within the first 24 hours after it was moved to the basilica on Wednesday morning.

Originally scheduled to close at midnight, the basilica instead stayed open until 5:30 a.m. on Thursday to accommodate the steady stream of visitors. It reopened at 7:00 a.m. for a second full day of public mourning.

Pope Francis, known for his humility and commitment to simplicity, had requested modest funeral rites. His wooden coffin, lined with red cloth and watched over by Swiss Guards, was placed directly on the floor of the basilica’s main altar, foregoing the traditional raised platform. Dressed in liturgical vestments and holding a rosary, the pope’s body lay in an open casket as visitors filed silently past.

The scene at St. Peter’s Square has been one of quiet reverence. Visitors from around the world, many bearing national flags or religious items, queued for hours—some under the warm spring sun—just for a brief moment to honor the pontiff.

“It’s a privilege to be here,” said Abigail, who traveled from California with her family.

Others, like Gunnar Prieß from Germany, came despite not being Catholic, drawn by the significance and solemnity of the occasion.

The pope’s death followed a period of declining health, including a recent hospitalization for pneumonia and a subsequent stroke. His final public appearance had been during Easter Sunday Mass, just days before his passing.

As funeral preparations continue, the Vatican has confirmed that the Rite of the Sealing of the Coffin will take place on Friday evening. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite, which will be attended by high-ranking clergy and Vatican officials. This ceremony will mark the conclusion of the public viewing period.

Pope Francis’s funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. The event is expected to draw world leaders and dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William. Following the funeral, the pope will be interred at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, diverging from the traditional burial site beneath St. Peter’s.

In line with Catholic tradition, the Church will observe Novemdiales, nine days of mourning and memorial Masses, beginning with Saturday’s funeral. The daily services will continue through April 27, including a special Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday.

As cardinals gather for the funeral and related meetings, attention is gradually turning to the future. The date for the 2025 papal conclave—which will elect Francis’s successor—has not yet been announced. However, discussions among the cardinals have begun, and early speculation has surfaced around potential candidates, including Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Pietro Parolin of Italy.

While the Church mourns the passing of a globally recognized and often reform-minded pope, many gathered in Rome view this period as both a time of remembrance and transition. As one mourner noted:

“He was a pope for the people. His humility touched millions, and his legacy will continue to shape the Church.”

With input from the Guardian, the New York Times, and Vatican News.