The Vatican announced on Friday that approximately 250,000 people visited St. Peter’s Basilica over three days to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88.
The public viewing of the late pontiff’s body began at 11:00 a.m. (0900 GMT) on Wednesday and concluded at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The turnout surpassed the estimated 195,000 who viewed Pope Benedict XVI’s lying in state in 2023.
Pope Francis’ body lay in a wooden coffin, dressed in a red chasuble, white mitre, and black shoes, with a rosary entwined in his fingers. The coffin was closed in a private ceremony on Friday night.
The first Latin American pope and a Jesuit, Francis died on Monday after a prolonged battle with severe pneumonia. His death has sparked an outpouring of condolences from leaders and faithful across the globe.
Widely regarded as a transformative figure, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion followers for 12 years, focusing on social justice, humility, and outreach to marginalized communities.
His funeral is expected to draw world leaders and pilgrims from every corner of the globe.
