Thousands of faithful Catholics and dignitaries from around the world continue to gather at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whose legacy of compassion and humility touched millions across the globe. The 87-year-old pontiff died on Monday after suffering a stroke, plunging the Catholic Church into mourning and setting in motion a series of solemn rites that will culminate in the election of his successor.
Since Wednesday morning, a steady stream of mourners has lined the Via della Conciliazione, stretching into St. Peter’s Square and filing solemnly through the Holy Door to view the late pope’s body, which lies in state in a plain wooden coffin inside the grand basilica. The turnout has been so overwhelming that the Vatican extended viewing hours throughout the night, briefly closing the basilica only for cleaning on Thursday morning.
A Worldwide Farewell
By the Vatican’s count, more than 50,000 people had passed through in just the first 12 hours of the public viewing, which began at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The scene within the basilica has been described as one of hushed reverence, with pilgrims moving slowly up the central aisle in silent tribute to a pope who redefined the modern papacy through his messages of inclusion, humility, and social justice.
Among those paying their respects on Thursday were several of Pope Francis’ relatives, who traveled from Argentina to say a final goodbye. While they have maintained a low public profile during his papacy, their presence at the basilica added a deeply personal note to the historic mourning event.
“Francis never forgot where he came from,” said one Argentine pilgrim, María González, who had traveled to Rome with her parish. “He was one of us, and now the whole world mourns him.”
Three Days of Mourning Before Historic Funeral
The Vatican has scheduled a funeral Mass for Saturday, April 27, in St. Peter’s Square, where world leaders, cardinals, and the faithful are expected to gather for a final celebration of Pope Francis’ life and legacy. After the service, his remains will be interred in a niche at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, near his favorite icon of the Madonna—a place he often visited during his papacy for private prayer and reflection.
The decision to bury him there, rather than in the traditional papal tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, reflects his personal preference for simplicity and accessibility. Vatican officials say the burial site honors his devotion to the Virgin Mary and the marginalized.
The Road to the Conclave Begins
As mourning continues, preparations are quietly underway for the next major phase in the Catholic Church’s transition: the election of a new pope. The conclave—a centuries-old process in which the Church’s cardinals gather to elect a new pontiff—will begin shortly after the funeral and official mourning period.
On Thursday morning, cardinals from across the world began arriving at the Vatican gates for their second general “congregation” meeting, a preliminary gathering to organize the details of the conclave and reflect on the Church’s future leadership.
“We are getting ready, but we are still in the organizational phase,” said Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi. “The more intense phase has not yet begun. For now, we are focusing on Francis and honoring his memory.”
Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the Archbishop of Algiers and one of the newest cardinals appointed by Francis in December, emphasized the spirit of unity among the Church leaders. “We have not yet opened the conclave,” he told reporters. “For the moment, we are here completely for Francis.”
A Legacy That Resonates
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. He was also the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Throughout his 11-year papacy, he was widely recognized for his down-to-earth approach, championing causes such as economic equality, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized communities.
“He taught us to look beyond doctrine and focus on mercy,” said Father Luigi Romano, a parish priest from Naples, standing in line outside the basilica. “His message was simple but profound—love, humility, and care for the poor.”
Many mourners echoed this sentiment, calling Pope Francis “a shepherd of the people” and “a pope who listened.” For many, his death marks the end of a transformative era in the Church.
Awaiting the Future of the Church
As the world bids farewell, attention is gradually shifting to the conclave and the uncertain road ahead. The College of Cardinals, made up of 129 voting members under the age of 80, will soon retreat into the Sistine Chapel, where they will vote in secrecy until a new pope is chosen.
Speculation has already begun about potential successors, though Church officials remain tight-lipped. Vatican observers say the next pontiff will face significant challenges, including declining church attendance in Europe, growing religious pluralism, and the need to address abuse scandals and institutional reform.
For now, however, the global Catholic community remains united in grief, gratitude, and reverence for the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
As one mourner put it, tears in her eyes as she exited the basilica: “He was a light in dark times. Now, we pray for another shepherd to lead us with the same grace.”
