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Pope Francis's Body Draws Thousands to St. Peter’s Basilica as Funeral Preparations Continue

The late pontiff’s remains are on public display through Friday, with global dignitaries expected at Saturday’s funeral and plans for his burial at Santa Maria Maggiore.

Overview

  • Over 61,000 people have visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay respects to Pope Francis, whose body will remain on display until Friday evening.
  • The funeral mass, scheduled for Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square, will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and attended by numerous global leaders and dignitaries.
  • The Vatican has announced nine days of mourning, beginning with the funeral, featuring daily solemn ceremonies until May 4.
  • Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in accordance with his wishes for a simple burial, marking a departure from tradition.
  • Several Catholic-majority nations, including Argentina, Italy, and Poland, have declared national mourning periods, while France’s decision to lower flags has sparked debate over secularism.