Overview and Background

Thousands of mourners began paying their final respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, marking the start of three days of public viewing ahead of his funeral, scheduled for Saturday. Francis, who died at age 88 on Easter Monday, served as pope for 12 years and was known for his focus on poverty and inclusivity. His casket, placed on a slight ramp and adorned in red robes, drew significant crowds, with over 128,000 people expected to visit before the viewing concludes on Friday at 7 p.m.

Key Developments

• As of the first day, over 19,430 people paid their respects within the first 8.5 hours.
• Francis’ casket is placed on a ramp, aligning with his wishes for a simplified funeral ritual.
• The conclave to elect his successor is anticipated to begin on May 5, with 133 eligible voting cardinals.
• World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky, are expected to attend the funeral.
• Enhanced security measures are in place around the Vatican, including anti-drone systems and additional police presence.

“It gave me chills,” said mourners, reflecting on the emotional experience of saying goodbye to the pope who encouraged coexistence.

Significance of the Event

The public viewing provides an opportunity for ordinary Catholics to mourn the pope, who was the first Latin American pontiff. His passing marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion members worldwide. Preparations for the conclave, the process to elect a new pope, are underway, with cardinals meeting privately to discuss the future leadership of the Church.

In the days leading up to the funeral, the Vatican is expected to accommodate large crowds, with estimates of hundreds of thousands of attendees. Security is heightened, reflecting the significant global attention surrounding the event, as tributes and condolences pour in from around the world.

Following the funeral, Francis will be interred at Santa Maria Maggiore, a location he favored, in a simple tomb marked only with his name, Franciscus.