A Final Farewell: Pope Francis Lies in State

Tens of thousands of mourners have gathered to pay their last respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of three days of lying in state. The Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, has left a profound impact on the lives of many.

In a moment of collective gratitude, Portuguese medical student Francisca Antunes, aged 21, reflected on her visit, stating, “We wanted to say thank you to one of the most humble popes.” Upon exiting the ornate basilica alongside a friend, she added, “It felt really good to be in there.” This sentiment echoed through the hearts of attendees as they paid homage to a figure recognized for his humility and compassion.

Among those honoring his memory was 67-year-old Simonetta Marini from Rome, who praised Pope Francis’s dedication to defending the world’s marginalized populations, thus steering the Catholic Church towards a more inclusive and compassionate direction. “I came to say a last goodbye to a great man. He stood for the people,” she remarked, underscoring the pope’s commitment to social justice.

The solemn procession commenced earlier in the day as the beloved pontiff’s body, who succumbed to complications from a stroke, was transported to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinals, bishops, friars, and Swiss Guards moved deliberately, embracing the weight of the moment as choir members chanted psalms and prayers in Latin with the gentle tolling of bells resonating through the air.

As the coffin made its way across St. Peter’s Square, a collective wave of applause reverberated through the crowd—a traditional Italian gesture of respect. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born cleric and the camerlengo, opened the ceremony with heartfelt words: “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, we now accompany the mortal remains of our Pope Francis to the Vatican Basilica.“

The moment was steeped in emotion as several mourners bore witness to the beginning of the formal ceremony. Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a devoted nun from the seaside town of Ostia, wept by the casket. Known for her work with the LGBTQ+ community, she had welcomed Pope Francis during his visits to Ostia: “He truly understood and embraced diversity,” she expressed, highlighting his inclusive spirit.

Dressed in papal vestments—a red chasuble, white mitre, and black shoes—Pope Francis rests in a red-lined wooden coffin, a rosary gently cradled in his fingers. For the next three days, the coffin will be displayed on a low bier beneath the magnificently painted dome of Michelangelo. It is set to be closed at 8 PM on Friday, prior to the funeral scheduled for Saturday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni honored the late pontiff during a special session in parliament before visiting St. Peter’s herself. She eloquently noted, “With him, you could talk about everything. You could open up your story without filters or fear of being judged.” A fitting tribute to a man who embraced dialogue and understanding.

Although the Vatican initially planned to conclude visits at midnight, the high turnout of pilgrims has led them to consider extending visiting hours, a testament to the deep affection the public has for the late pope. A retired couple from Ireland expressed that even during their holiday in Rome, it was imperative to pay respects to a man who made significant strides addressing clerical sexual abuse in their country. “He was a great man, a great advocate for the poor and the underprivileged,” said Clíodhna Devlin, echoing the sentiments of many who gathered.

As we look forward to the funeral on Saturday, world leaders from various nations, including US President Donald Trump, along with heads of state from Italy, France, Germany, and beyond, are expected to participate in honoring Pope Francis’s legacy. The estimated attendance could reach at least 200,000 people, affirming the global importance of this figure.

During this significant occasion, Italy is undertaking extensive security measures, including installing barriers and increasing security checks. A period of national mourning lasting five days has been declared—longer than the three days observed for Pope John Paul II but shorter than a week declared by Argentina in honor of their native son.

As the Church prepares for a conclave to elect the new pope, Cardinal Farrell currently oversees day-to-day affairs during this “sede vacante” period. The transition phase reminds us of the enduring legacy of Pope Francis, who will be laid to rest in his favorite church, the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, marked simply with the inscription: Franciscus.

As we reflect on the life of Pope Francis, a quote resonates: “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” His dedication to love, compassion, and humility continues to inspire countless hearts around the globe.