Thousands of mourners flocked to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to honor Pope Francis, whose body was moved from his Vatican residence to lie in state ahead of his funeral on Saturday. The pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke and a battle with double pneumonia, had led the Catholic Church for 12 years as its first Latin American pope.  

In a solemn procession that began early Wednesday morning, Pope Francis’s open coffin was carried through St. Peter’s Square, where an estimated 20,000 pilgrims had gathered. As the coffin made its way across the square, the tolling of bells echoed through the air, and the crowd erupted into applause—a traditional Italian gesture of respect.  

The procession, which lasted just under 40 minutes, was led by red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests, who escorted the Pope’s body from his personal residence at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse to the basilica. Swiss Guards, tasked with the Pope’s protection, stood vigil as the coffin was placed at the church’s altar.  

Public viewing began at 11:00 local time, with mourners lining up to pay their respects. The Pope’s body will remain in state until Friday evening, allowing the faithful to bid farewell to a leader many described as humble, compassionate, and forward-thinking.  

Among the mourners were Luis and Macarena, a couple from Mexico who had traveled to Rome for their honeymoon. “Pope Francis is a saint, and he will bless us from heaven,” Luis told RNG247, expressing his hope that seeing the Pope’s final resting place would deepen their spiritual connection.  

Mary Ellen, an American expatriate living in Italy, shared her admiration for the late pontiff. “I love Papa Francesco because he was humble, kind, and a champion for immigrants,” she said. “He fought against the power structures within the Vatican to live as a true Christian. When I pass his coffin, I will pray for his guidance in my own work with immigrants.”  

Fredrik, a Ghanaian pilgrim who traveled from Poland, reflected on the Pope’s legacy. “He did his best, and now it is up to us to continue his good works,” he said.  

Eva Asensio, a Mexican tourist, fought back tears as she spoke of her connection to the Argentine pope. “He supported everyone, regardless of their background or orientation. He united us,” she said.  

Margaux, a French resident of Rome, described the experience as “powerful.” To her, Pope Francis represented “hope” and progress. “I hope the next Pope will follow his path,” she added.  

Pope Francis’s funeral, set for Saturday, will be attended by dignitaries from around the world, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William. In keeping with his simpler tastes, the Pope had requested a smaller ceremony and arranged for a benefactor to cover the costs.  

Unlike most of his predecessors, Pope Francis will not be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he will be laid to rest in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a tombstone inscribed only with his name.  

The pontiff’s last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he delivered brief remarks from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square before greeting worshippers and blessing babies as he was driven through the crowd.  

With the sealing of his papal apartments in wax, the period known as the Sede Vacante—or empty seat—has begun, marking the transition until a new leader of the Catholic Church is elected. As the world mourns, the legacy of Pope Francis, a pope of the people, continues to inspire millions.