St. Peter’s Basilica has opened its doors to the public, allowing mourners to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. His body lies in state for three days ahead of his funeral, which will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. To accommodate the overwhelming number of visitors, the Vatican has extended visiting hours and is even considering keeping the basilica open past midnight.
Thousands of mourners, including cardinals and members of the public, have been lining up for hours to view the late pope. Many have expressed admiration for Pope Francis’s compassion, openness, and his ability to unite people of different beliefs. Pilgrims and students from across the world, including from the U.S., the Philippines, and Brazil, have shared emotional tributes, reflecting on his profound impact on both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
The funeral service will be held in St. Peter’s Square at 10 a.m. local time on April 26, with world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expected to attend. In a break from tradition, Pope Francis will be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, his preferred basilica in Rome, rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica. Honoring his wishes, he will be laid to rest in a simple coffin, emphasizing humility and his closeness to ordinary Christians.
For those who cannot attend in person, the funeral will be broadcast live on various platforms, including BBC News, Sky News, and Vatican media.
Pope Francis’s 12-year pontificate was marked by his efforts to aid the poor and promote inclusivity, though his progressive reforms were met with criticism from some conservative factions. The ongoing events leading up to his funeral reflect his lasting influence and the deep affection many felt for his leadership.
