Pope Francis Lies at St Peter’s as Thousands Gather to Mourn

(The Post News)– Pope Francis’ body has been laid in state at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where thousands of mourners from around the globe are filing past to pay their last respects.

The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, after suffering a stroke and heart failure, the Vatican confirmed.

Early Wednesday morning, a solemn procession carried the late pope’s coffin through the Vatican, beginning at the chapel of his residence. The procession included patriarchs, cardinals, bishops, and priests, who chanted prayers in Latin as they moved towards the basilica. Vatican bells tolled and crowds applauded as his coffin entered through the central doors.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church and the official overseeing arrangements, led a brief service before the coffin was placed at the Altar of the Confessio, just above the tomb of St Peter. “Let us thank the Lord for countless gifts that He bestowed on the Christian people through His servant Pope Francis,” Farrell said during the ceremony.

The Vatican has restricted access to St Peter’s Square at times to manage the large crowds attempting to enter. The basilica will remain open until midnight on Wednesday and from 7 a.m. to midnight on Thursday and Friday. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday and is expected to draw global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Breaking with centuries of tradition, Pope Francis will lie in state in a simple wooden coffin, reflecting his well-known preference for humility and simplicity. Historically, popes have been buried in three coffins: cypress, lead, and oak.

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from around the world, with memorial services taking place in cities from Jerusalem to Buenos Aires. Here in South Africa, the Archdiocese of Johannesburg held a memorial Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Wednesday morning. Led by Stephen Cardinal Brislin, the service was attended by Catholic parishioners and senior political figures, including ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero.