Pope Francis' Body Brought to St. Peter’s Basilica, Millions of Pilgrims Expected to Pay Final Respects

Pope Francis' Body Brought to St. Peter’s Basilica, Millions of Pilgrims Expected to Pay Final Respects

Vatican City – April 23, 2025 (AP)

The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang solemnly on Wednesday as the body of Pope Francis was transferred from the Vatican guesthouse to the basilica. A somber procession of cardinals and Swiss Guards escorted the coffin across the piazza, where just days ago, Pope Francis made his final public appearance from the Popemobile, bidding farewell to the world—an image now seen as his last goodbye.

Pallbearers carried the simple wooden coffin through the Vatican gates, across St. Peter’s Square, and into the basilica. Behind them followed cardinals in red robes and Swiss Guards dressed in their traditional gold-and-blue uniforms, moving at a slow, respectful pace.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is currently overseeing Vatican affairs, led the procession. As he moved forward, clouds of incense billowed around him, and the church choir sang the "Litany of the Saints."

Pope Francis, aged 88, died on Monday after suffering a stroke. His funeral will be held on Saturday, with heads of state from around the world expected to attend. In the days leading up to the funeral, the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects in the basilica.

On Wednesday and Thursday, St. Peter’s Basilica will remain open until midnight to allow public viewing. On Friday evening at 7 p.m., the coffin will be closed and sealed, marking the end of public visitation.

Italian police have tightened security around the basilica, with both foot and mounted patrols deployed. Thousands of pilgrims continue to arrive in Vatican City for the Holy Year celebrations that Pope Francis inaugurated last December. Pilgrims entering through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s are believed to receive absolution from their sins.

“To me, Pope Francis was a great priest and a true friend to all of us,” said Miquele Sales, a pilgrim from Brazil.

Amit Kukreja from Australia added, “He spread a message of peace across the world—nonviolence, not conflict, should be our path.”

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, where world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, cardinals are holding meetings throughout the week to prepare for the conclave that will elect Francis’ successor and address other urgent matters, while the global Catholic community mourns the loss of their spiritual leader.

The first Latin American pope in history, Francis captured the hearts of many through his compassion for the poor and his simple lifestyle. However, his stances on capitalism and climate change drew criticism from some conservative circles.

His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he delivered a message of peace and traveled among the faithful in the Popemobile. According to Vatican News, although he hesitated upon seeing the crowd of 50,000, he ultimately decided to greet them, feeling joy in doing so. He passed away the following morning.

“The death of a pope is never an ordinary event. We’ve lost our guiding light,” said Julio Henrique from Brazil. “But soon, we’ll have a new leader. So… the flame of hope still burns. Who will be the next successor to Saint Peter?”