The Vatican kept St. Peter’s Basilica open all night as huge crowds came to see Pope Francis lying in state. So many people arrived that the church only closed for one hour early Thursday morning to clean before reopening.
Inside the basilica, a quiet sadness filled the air as people from around the world walked slowly past the simple wooden coffin. Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, died Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke.
The line of mourners stretched far beyond the church doors, down St. Peter’s Square and along the main street leading to the Vatican. Many strangers became friends as they waited for hours, sharing stories about how Francis changed their lives with his message of kindness and acceptance.
“I would wait all day if I had to,” said Lucia Ferrara, a teacher from Rome standing in line with her students. “He taught us that being Christian means welcoming everyone, especially those who feel left out.”
By Wednesday night, the wait to see the pope’s body reached five hours, but no one complained. Vatican officials said more than 25,000 people came in just the first day. The crowd included people from all walks of life – young and old, rich and poor, from many different countries and backgrounds.
The scene inside the basilica was simple, just as Francis would have wanted. His plain wooden coffin rested on a platform with four Swiss Guards standing watch. There were no fancy decorations, reflecting the pope’s humble style.
People reacted in different ways when they reached the coffin. Some cried, some prayed quietly, others took pictures with their phones. Many simply said “thank you” in their own languages.
“He wasn’t just the pope for Catholics,” said Ahmed Ibrahim, a Muslim refugee from Syria. “He was the pope for all people who suffer. He made me feel welcome when no one else did.”
The funeral will be held Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, with leaders from around the world attending. Afterward, Francis will be buried in another Rome church near a painting of Mary he especially loved.
As night fell Thursday, the lines kept growing. It seemed no one wanted to miss this chance to say farewell to a man who touched so many lives.
“He showed us what true love looks like,” said Maria Gonzalez, a grandmother from Spain. “Now it’s our turn to keep that love alive.” The words captured what many felt – that while the pope is gone, the hope he gave the world remains.
