VATICAN CITY (AP) — Over 250,000 individuals paid tribute to Pope Francis during a three-day public viewing that concluded on Friday, just before his funeral and burial at a basilica outside the Vatican. Mourners included both everyday citizens and prominent figures, reflecting the unique character of Francis who favored simplicity over extravagance.
World dignitaries, such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei, traveled to Rome for the funeral. However, a more fitting group of marginalized individuals will gather in a small basilica to honor Francis, aligning with his humble image and criticism of lavish displays.
The Vatican confirmed the attendance of 164 delegations, which include 54 heads of state and 12 reigning monarchs. French President Emmanuel Macron was among those who managed to arrive on time to pay their final respects to the late pontiff.
Commemorating Francis
Tens of thousands of people queued for hours over the three days to say goodbye to Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke on Monday. Due to higher-than-anticipated attendance, the Vatican extended the opening hours of the basilica overnight.
The end of the viewing period was marked by a ceremonial changing of guards by Francis’ open coffin, where he lay in red robes, a pointed miter, and a rosary grasped in his hands. Giovanni Guarino traveled from Naples with his girlfriend to express their last goodbyes, touched by the pope’s dedication to aiding the youth and underprivileged.
Last Goodbyes
Retired flight attendants Aurelia Ballarini and Francesca Codato visited to honor Francis for different reasons. Ballarini, 72, mourned the loss of a figure she viewed as a grandfather, while 78-year-old Codato sought atonement for her past allegiance to an earlier pope. “I feel guilty,” Codato stated, reflecting on her newfound understanding of Francis’ compassion for everyday people.
Future Leadership
The conclave to elect a new pope won’t commence until at least May 5, following a nine-day mourning period. Cardinals have begun arriving in Rome, and 149 met on Friday morning to discuss church matters, though further meetings are not scheduled until next week.
Burial Plans
In alignment with Francis’ commitment to the vulnerable, a group of impoverished individuals will pay their respects as the pope’s casket arrives at St. Mary Major Basilica for burial on Saturday. The private ceremony will be held behind a wooden barrier, near a revered icon of the Madonna.
Security Measures
In preparation for the funeral, Italy has stationed more than 2,500 police officers and 1,500 soldiers, anticipating around 200,000 attendees at St. Peter’s Square and up to 300,000 people along the route to the burial site. This extensive security operation includes deploying an armed naval vessel and having fighter jets on standby.
Dignitary Attendance
President Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, is scheduled to arrive on Friday after the closing of the coffin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed his attendance, contingent upon his national duties amidst the ongoing conflict. Other notable attendees include:
— U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer
— Prince William
— King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
— Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
— Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
