As pilgrims continued to arrive on the second day of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, clouds loomed ominously over Vatican City, creating a dramatic backdrop for their journey.
- Advertisement -
A brief morning rain shower provided little relief from the scorching spring sun, but it didn’t deter the steady stream of people eager to pay their respects to Pope Francis. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” a reflection that echoed in the hearts of many as they queued patiently.
By the afternoon, the wait had escalated to three hours, as dark clouds gathered overhead and thunder rumbled menacingly in the distance.
Though the rain was short-lived, it encouraged many in the evening crowd to depart, but news quickly circulated that the line was moving efficiently.
In the queue, there was ample opportunity for personal reflection. A young couple nearby held hands, their devotion palpable as they prayed the rosary in Spanish, resonating with the shared spirit of faith that surrounded them.
At a certain point, security had to remove a woman from the line upon discovering she was carrying a dog. It was a stark reminder of the sacred atmosphere within the basilica.
As pilgrims entered St. Peter’s Basilica, phones emerged from bags and pockets, raised high to capture the moment. Navigating through the nave required deft sidestepping to avoid those stopping for selfies and videos as they approached the solemn sight of Pope Francis lying in state.
Although the late pontiff advocated for mindful use of technology, he often expressed concern over our excessive dependence on smartphones. In line, some people heeded the ushers’ requests to put their phones away as they neared the coffin, while others seized a fleeting moment for a quick snap.
Respect was swift; as many blessed themselves with barely a pause, they moved past the coffin. A few individuals took a quiet moment behind the altar to reflect.
The basilica’s interior is breathtaking, yet it was the presence of a man who championed simplicity that drew focus away from the opulence surrounding him.
Even as they exited, people continued snapping photos at the door—a final chance to capture this historic moment.
In just 40 minutes, the experience concluded. Shortly thereafter, as darkness enveloped the area and the threat of rain dissipated, crowds returned to St. Peter’s Square, and the lines came back to life.
By nightfall, an impressive 91,000 people had walked through the doors of the basilica. A source within the Vatican hinted that many had discovered the advantage of queuing either very early in the morning or just before midnight to minimize their wait times. The looming threat of inclement weather seemed to encourage this strategic approach.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks,” John Muir once said, capturing the essence of a moment filled with reverence, connection, and reflection.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
