Pope Francis’ coffin is carried through the Vatican as thousands of people gather to pay respects during his three-day laying in state.
Thousands of people gathered at the Vatican today to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
His coffin was carried through huge crowds and into St. Peter’s Basilica for a three-day lying in state.
Mourners gathered to honor the late pope’s legacy.
Early this morning, a solemn processional began as the late pope’s body was moved from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the basilica.
Mourners, including nuns and regular churchgoers, were visibly emotional as they witnessed the event. Many wept as they watched the procession.
The pope’s coffin was carried by 14 pallbearers dressed in black suits and white gloves.
As the coffin was lifted onto a wooden platform, red-hatted cardinals, priests, and Swiss Guards joined the procession.
The atmosphere was filled with a male choir chanting prayers in Latin, while the basilica bells tolled in memory of the beloved pope.
The procession moved solemnly through the Square.
The body of Pope Francis was transported across St. Peter’s Square, where a crowd of several thousand people applauded—a sign of respect in Italian culture.
The late pontiff had recently spent time in the hospital due to health issues, including a bout with double pneumonia.
Pope Francis’ last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he rode in his popemobile through a crowded St. Peter’s Square.
This moment was bittersweet, as it marked his final interaction with the faithful.
Pope Francis’ body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for the next three days, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
The basilica will open at 7 am and stay open until midnight daily, allowing more people to pay respects.
The final day of lying in state will conclude at 7 pm to prepare for the pope’s funeral Mass on Saturday.
This service is expected to draw numerous high-profile attendees, including world leaders from various countries.
Cardinal Farrell presided over the ceremony.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, led the ceremony transferring the pope’s body from his residence to the basilica.
The ceremony took place in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where the pope had lived.
The coffin was flanked by Swiss Guards standing at attention, and priests carrying long candles led the procession into the basilica.
As the coffin was carried through the Vatican, the atmosphere was solemn, with prayers and chants echoing across the square.
The pope’s coffin was simple and humble.
As requested by Pope Francis in his will, his coffin was simple, made of wood without any elaborate decorations.
This choice reflects his humble nature and commitment to simplicity.
The open coffin was carried 500 meters from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Mourners watched as the coffin followed the same path the pope had taken just days earlier during his Easter Sunday blessing.
It was a touching moment as people recognized the significance of this final journey.
Italian police have heightened security in preparation for the viewing and funeral services.
They are conducting foot and horse patrols around the Vatican.
Metal detectors have been set up at various points, and sharpshooters will be positioned on rooftops during the funeral.
To accommodate the expected crowds, pallets of water bottles have been stockpiled along the main road leading to the basilica.
First aid tents have also been established to assist those in need.
Final prayers and blessings were offered reverently.
The ceremony began with Cardinal Farrell reading a prayer in Latin.
A choir sang as cardinals stood in prayer, creating a deeply moving atmosphere.
The coffin was placed by the Altar of the Confession, and Cardinal Farrell blessed it with holy water and incense.
He then read from the Gospel of St. John, reminding the faithful of the pope’s love and commitment to God.
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Applause broke out among the crowd as they listened to the prayers and blessings being offered.
The crowds began gathering in St. Peter’s Square early in the morning to secure their place for the lying in state.
Some people were advised to bring water and snacks, as they might face long waits to view the pope’s body.
When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, more than four million people attended his lying in state and funeral. Officials expect similar numbers for Pope Francis.