Pope Francis’ Body Moved to St. Peter’s Basilica Before Funeral

On Wednesday, thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whose body will lie in state for three days before the funeral on Saturday. A steady flow of mourners extended along the main avenue leading from central Rome to the Vatican, slowly approaching the basilica under the warm spring sun for a final glimpse of the late pope in his open casket.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who passed away two days earlier following a stroke at the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, was brought to the basilica in a solemn procession earlier in the day. The cortege included cardinals in red, bishops, candle-bearing friars, and the Swiss Guard in ceremonial attire, all accompanied by Latin prayers and a softly ringing bell.

As the coffin was carried across the square in front of the basilica, the crowd erupted in applause—a traditional Italian tribute during solemn occasions.

“He felt like family—someone who truly brought the Church closer to everyone,” said Rachel McKay, a pilgrim from the UK.

Vatican officials, dressed in black suits and white gloves, carried the pope’s coffin up the stone incline leading to the basilica’s entrance. The procession passed through the grand bronze doors into the silent, ornate interior of the church.

The late pope, who had only recently been discharged from the hospital after being treated for severe pneumonia, made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delighting visitors as he was driven through the square in his white popemobile.

A Range of Emotions

Inside the basilica, visitors were guided down the central aisle to pay their respects. Pope Francis was dressed in red liturgical garments, with his hands folded around a rosary and a white mitre atop his head.

“It’s such a surreal moment,” said Alex Lenrtz, a pilgrim from the United States. “Standing in front of him, remembering everything he stood for—it stays with you.”

The pope’s body will remain on view until Friday evening. Though the initial plan was to end public visits at midnight on Wednesday, Vatican officials indicated that extended hours might be offered due to the overwhelming number of visitors. In the first 8.5 hours alone, nearly 19,500 people had come to pay their respects, with many more waiting patiently in line outside the church.

Saturday’s funeral is expected to attract leaders from around the globe. Among the attendees will be U.S. President Donald Trump, despite past clashes with the pope over immigration and other social issues, as well as representatives from Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Ukraine, Brazil, the European Union, and Argentina, the late pope’s homeland.