Tens of thousands have gathered at St. Peter’s Cathedral to pay tribute to Pope Francis, whose body is displayed in the church following his death at age 88 after a stroke. The Vatican is observing nine days of mourning, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday. Public viewing began Wednesday and has drawn long lines, with many expressing profound respect and admiration for the Pope, who served as the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years.
As individuals mourn, many recount their personal connections to the Pope, highlighting his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. His easy accessibility and humble demeanor have left a lasting impact. The atmosphere in St. Peter’s has been marked by solemnity and reverence, with visitors kneeling and praying as they pass his casket.
High-ranking officials, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, are expected to attend the funeral. In line with his wishes for simplicity, Pope Francis will not be buried in St. Peter’s, but rather in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. His final moments included a blessing to the public on Easter Sunday from his wheelchair, marking the end of his papacy and the beginning of the Sede Vacante, the period of vacancy until a new head of the Church is elected.
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