Thousands gather to mourn Pope Francis as coffin lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica

DDM News

Pope Francis’s open coffin was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for a three-day lying in state.

Thousands of mourners, including tourists and pilgrims, gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pay their final respects as reported by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

The wooden coffin was escorted by Swiss Guards and cardinals as basilica bells rang solemnly across the square.

Francis died on Monday at age 88, following a stroke at the Santa Marta residence, where he had lived.

He spent 12 years as pontiff and chose to remain in the modest Santa Marta guesthouse instead of the papal apartments.

Many in the crowd took photos, while some applauded as the procession passed through the square.

Francis’s body was previously kept in Santa Marta’s chapel before being moved to lie in state at the basilica.

His coffin now rests before the Altar of the Confession, under Bernini’s baldacchino and Michelangelo’s majestic dome.

Unlike previous popes, he lies on a simple low platform, reflecting his lifelong humility and simplicity.

Anna Montoya, 33, from Mexico, said she felt the pope was “like a family member” to her.

“He showed what the church should be, what Jesus taught—kindness and love,” she told AFP tearfully.

The funeral on Saturday is expected to draw large crowds and dignitaries from around the world.

U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, and Britain’s Prince William are among the expected attendees.

Following the funeral, the coffin will be moved to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.

There, Francis will be laid to rest with a simple inscription: “Franciscus.”

Italy has declared five days of national mourning in honor of the late pontiff.

This exceeds the three days observed for Pope John Paul II in 2005.

However, Argentina has declared a full week of mourning for their native son.

Security has been tightened around the basilica, with barriers installed and extra checks in place.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reported that up to 170 foreign delegations are expected to attend.

Authorities have also been handing out water to help mourners cope with the warm weather.

Rome teacher Pasquale Apolito said he was compelled to visit before leaving the city later in the day.

“I felt something inside me this morning that told me to come,” he said near the square.

“He was a man who listened, who welcomed everyone—he’ll be missed,” Apolito added.

Cardinals worldwide have been summoned to Rome to begin the process of choosing a new pope.

Only cardinals under 80 years old are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave.

The conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death.

About 60 cardinals met Tuesday to finalize funeral details during a general congregation.

A follow-up meeting, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Farrell is the camerlengo, responsible for managing Vatican affairs until a new pope is elected.

Francis’s health had deteriorated after a recent hospital stay for pneumonia in both lungs.

Despite medical advice to rest, he continued making public appearances during his convalescence.

On Easter Sunday, he toured the square in his popemobile, blessing crowds and kissing babies.

He died the following morning at 7:35 a.m. after suffering a stroke and heart failure.

Sister Maria Guadalupe Hernandez Olivo said she felt a deep emptiness after hearing the news.

“He is no longer suffering, but we have lost our pastor,” she said, fighting back tears.

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