Catholics Worldwide Mourn as Public Viewing Begins for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica

Thousands of mourners poured into St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, paying their final respects to Pope Francis as three days of public viewing began ahead of Saturday’s funeral.

Under the vaulted ceilings of the 16th-century basilica, an open wooden casket holding the body of Pope Francis was placed humbly on a ramp, not on a raised platform like past popes — a deliberate choice reflecting his wishes for a simpler farewell. Dressed in red liturgical robes, rosary in hand, and wearing the traditional bishop’s miter, the beloved pontiff lay in state near the main altar as Swiss Guards stood in solemn watch.

By the end of the first day, nearly 20,000 people had quietly filed past the casket — some tearful, some praying, others capturing the moment with their phones.

“It gave me chills,” said Ivenes Bianco, who traveled from Brindisi while in Rome for medical treatment. “He brought people together. He was important to me.”

A Farewell Fit for a Shepherd

The Vatican says it may extend public viewing hours to accommodate the growing crowd. Inside the basilica, the atmosphere was reverent — the gentle squeak of sneakers, the shuffle of robes, the whisper of prayers, and the occasional cry of a child.

Earlier that morning, the basilica’s bells tolled as pallbearers carried Francis’ body in a solemn procession across St. Peter’s Square — the same place where he had offered his final blessing just weeks ago during a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, defying his fragile health.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is temporarily overseeing Vatican affairs, led the procession, flanked by cardinals, bishops, and members of the clergy. Incense filled the air as the Litany of Saints echoed through the basilica.

“It feels like losing a family member,” said Rosa Morghen from Naples. “He was like a father or grandfather to us.”

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at age 88, leaves behind a 12-year papacy defined by his compassion for the poor, commitment to interfaith dialogue, and push for a more inclusive Catholic Church. While admired globally, his progressive views occasionally drew criticism from conservative circles.

His simple final wishes were honored from the start: Francis first lay in state privately at the Vatican guesthouse he called home, before moving to the basilica for the public to say goodbye.

The viewing will continue until Friday at 7 p.m., after which the casket will be closed and sealed.

The funeral Mass is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, drawing world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Behind the scenes, cardinals are already preparing for the conclave — the sacred process that will elect the next pope. With 133 eligible cardinals under the age of 80, the secretive vote is expected to begin after May 5.

While speculation swirls about possible successors, many are reflecting on Francis’ global legacy. From Asia to the South Pacific, representatives are traveling to Rome, hopeful about the Church’s next chapter.

“There’s no East or West for the Lord,” said South Korean Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, when asked if the next pope might come from Asia.

John Ribat, the first cardinal from Papua New Guinea, expressed pride in representing the island nation, saying he hopes for a leader who can unite the Church in truth and compassion.

“We’ve lost our leader,” said Brazilian pilgrim Julio Henrique, “but we also hold onto hope — hope for who will next take Peter’s throne.”