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Pope Francis Lies in State at St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican City — The remains of Pope Francis have been transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state, allowing Catholic faithful to pay tribute to the popular Argentine leader celebrated for his humility, compassion toward the marginalized, and unwavering advocacy for peace. The viewing opened on Wednesday and will continue for three days, culminating in a funeral ceremony on Saturday attended by key figures from around the globe.
The pope, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure, is being mourned not just by the elite but by ordinary Catholics who cherished his connection to the people. The Vatican has arranged for heads of state to participate in the funeral, which takes place in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday.
Pope Francis initially lay in state at the Casa Santa Marta, with a private viewing reserved for Vatican residents and members of the papal household. Photographs released by the Vatican depicted the late pontiff in an open casket, adorned in the traditional episcopal attire, which included his pointed miter and red vestments, with his hands resting over a rosary. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s second-in-command, was seen praying at his side.
The solemn procession that accompanied the transfer of his body featured cardinals and other dignitaries, reflecting the respect and admiration held for him. His casket is displayed simply on the main altar of the historic basilica, rather than upon an elevated platform as was customary for previous pontiffs, emphasizing his down-to-earth persona.
Amid ongoing Holy Year celebrations initiated by Francis in December, security measures around the Vatican have been heightened, with police conducting regular patrols to ensure safety as pilgrims gather to pay their respects.
The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, marking a significant event that will see the presence of prominent leaders including former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Mass will be led by Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will unfold in three distinct parts: preparation of the body, public viewing, and the final burial.
As cardinals convene this week to plan for the conclave that will determine Francis’ successor, discussions also center on the future of the Catholic Church in light of his passing. The first-ever Latin American pope, Francis garnered a wide following for addressing issues impacting the poor but faced criticism from conservative factions for his stances on capitalism and environmental concerns.
In his last public appearance, Francis addressed the faithful on Easter Sunday, offering blessings and engaging with crowds in his popemobile. Church officials described his passing as “discreet and almost sudden,” occurring without prolonged suffering or public distress.
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