Pope Francis Lies in State at St. Peter’s \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica as tens of thousands of mourners gather for three days of public mourning. Global leaders, Catholic faithful, and communities around the world are remembering the pope for his humility, advocacy for migrants, and calls for peace. His funeral is set for Saturday in Rome.
Quick Looks
- Lying in State: Francis moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing
- Funeral Date: Vatican confirms burial will take place Saturday
- Global Tributes: Leaders from Israel, Italy, Slovakia, and Taiwan attend or comment
- Vatican Crowds: Basilica may stay open past midnight due to turnout
- U.S. Reaction: VP JD Vance met pope before death; Trump will attend funeral
- Migrant Mourning: Refugees grieve loss of key papal advocate
- Church Leadership: Cardinals gather to prepare conclave and elect successor
- Two Cardinals Withdraw: Reduces conservative bloc voting power
- International Memorials: Masses, mourning declared in Slovakia and the Philippines
- Memorial Mood: Bells toll, flares burn, candles light up global churches
Deep Look
On Wednesday morning, Pope Francis was moved to the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, where his simple wooden casket lies in state for a three-day period of public mourning. The 88-year-old Argentine pope passed away on Monday from a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and a tireless pursuit of peace and justice.
Basilica Opens to Global Mourning
Thousands of mourners — some lining up since the early morning — streamed into the basilica to pay their last respects. The Vatican extended the public viewing hours until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday due to the overwhelming crowd. The mourning period ends Friday at 7 p.m. local time, followed by a state funeral on Saturday in Rome.
Inside the basilica, four Swiss Guards stood vigil, while a continuous flow of Catholics and international visitors solemnly passed by the pope’s resting place.
Global Leaders Reflect on Francis’ Legacy
Israel’s Diplomatic Farewell
Israeli Ambassador Yaron Sideman posted a photo from inside St. Peter’s, offering condolences “on behalf of the State of Israel.” This followed a minor diplomatic stir after Israel’s Foreign Ministry deleted its initial condolence tweet. Pope Francis had been openly critical of Israel’s war in Gaza, while also condemning antisemitism and calling on Hamas to release hostages.
JD Vance’s Final Encounter
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met Francis on Easter Sunday, called the encounter a “great blessing.” A convert to Catholicism, Vance reflected that he had “no idea” he would be among the last to see the pope alive. While he will not attend the funeral, he praised the pontiff’s legacy as a “great pastor.”
Former President Donald Trump will represent the United States at the funeral, departing Washington on Friday and returning Saturday.
Italy Honors ‘The People’s Pope’
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed parliament with both personal and political reflections. Quoting Pope Francis’ advice to “never lose your sense of humor,” she also praised his courage in promoting peace amid global unrest, noting his consistency even when misunderstood.
“With him you were at ease,” Meloni said. “He could see your soul.”
Vatican Prepares for New Chapter
Cardinals gathered Tuesday to schedule the funeral, initiate the planning of the papal conclave, and address internal matters within the Church. However, the conservative voting bloc took a hit as two senior cardinals — Antonio Cañizares Llovera of Spain and Vinko Puljic of Bosnia — withdrew due to health issues.
That brings the number of elector cardinals to 133, reducing conservative influence and reshaping predictions for the upcoming conclave, which could begin as early as May 5.
Around the World: Mourning and Memorials
Slovakia Declares Day of Mourning
Slovakia will observe a national day of mourning on the day of the funeral. President Peter Pellegrini will attend the Rome service, acknowledging Slovakia’s strong Roman Catholic identity.
South Africa Holds Mass in the Rain
Despite heavy rainfall, over 200 people gathered at Johannesburg’s Cathedral of Christ the King for a special memorial Mass led by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, appointed by Francis in 2023. Political leaders from the African National Congress joined the faithful in tribute.
Papua New Guinea’s Cardinal Attends
Cardinal John Ribat, the nation’s first and only cardinal, is en route to Rome. Appointed by Francis in 2016, Ribat emphasized the importance of small nations being represented in the Church’s global leadership.
Taiwan Sends Top Envoy
Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen will represent Taiwan, whose Vatican ties are symbolically critical given the Holy See’s continued recognition of Taiwan over China. Chen, a lifelong Catholic, has been honored repeatedly by the Vatican.
Philippines Declares Mourning Period
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called Pope Francis the “best pope in my lifetime.” The predominantly Catholic nation declared a national mourning period, with churches across the country ringing bells in remembrance.
Humanitarian Mourning: Migrants and Refugees React
For many migrants and refugees, Pope Francis was more than a spiritual leader — he was a defender of their rights. Arely Salguedo, a Salvadoran migrant in Mexico, said his voice helped reduce discrimination.
In Rome, Hasan Zaheda, a Syrian refugee brought back to Italy by Pope Francis in 2016, said:
“I’m so sorry for the whole of humanity, to lose a Holy Father who was worth the whole world.”
David Yambio, a South Sudanese activist, echoed that sentiment on social media:
“Pope Francis did not look at us from above; he stood among us.”
Farewell Ceremonies and Symbolic Moments
The transfer of Pope Francis’ body from the Vatican residence to the basilica was marked by bell tolls, chants from the choir, and a procession of cardinals and Swiss Guards. It followed the same path as his final Easter popemobile procession, held just days earlier — a spontaneous decision by Francis, despite his fragile health.
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