Faithful line up at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay homage to Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY (RNS) – On Wednesday morning, a somber procession took place in Vatican City as cardinals and Vatican officials accompanied the body of Pope Francis from the Domus Sancta Marta, where he passed away, to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie until his funeral on Saturday. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of bells and reverent chants as the pontiff’s body was solemnly carried in a plain wooden coffin through the square.

A large crowd gathered in the square to bid farewell to the pontiff, who was adorned in a red chasuble and a white miter, with a rosary in his hands. The Swiss Guards escorted the coffin, receiving loud applause from onlookers. Teresa Piuvano, a New Jersey resident volunteering in Rome, recalled Francis’ appearances during Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, noting the significance of his final Easter ride around the square despite his ailing health.

Inside the basilica, the pope was placed on a simple podium instead of the usual catafalque, as Cardinal Kevin Farrell led a prayer service referring to Francis in humble terms as “bishop” and “pastor.” The papal funeral procedures were streamlined by Francis after Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s passing, reflecting the pope’s desire for a pastoral rather than regal ceremony.

Thousands of people paid their respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, with some expressing a desire for more time in front of his casket. The funeral Mass will be conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re on Saturday, with high-profile dignitaries expected to attend. Following the funeral, the pope’s remains will be interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome as per his wishes.