World Leaders and Pilgrims Pay Tribute to Pope Francis in Rome

Pope Francis’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for three days of lying in state, allowing thousands of people to pay their respects to the late leader of the Catholic Church. The 88-year-old pope died on Monday following a stroke, and his open coffin was transported in a solemn procession past packed crowds in St. Peter’s Square.

Bells from St. Peter’s Basilica rang as the wooden coffin, accompanied by red-robed cardinals and Swiss Guards, was carried to its final resting place in the basilica. The crowds, consisting of both pilgrims and tourists, eagerly snapped photos and clapped as the procession passed. Many mourners, including Anna Montoya from Mexico, expressed their sorrow, with Montoya describing the pope as "like a family member" to her. "He was a good man, he represented what the church needs to be," she said.

The coffin was placed at the Altar of the Confession, beneath the dome designed by Michelangelo, on a simple bier—far less ornate than the platforms used for past popes. Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, drawing large crowds of pilgrims and global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William from Britain.

Security measures have been tightened ahead of the funeral, with Italy preparing for tens of thousands of visitors. Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that 150 to 170 foreign delegations are expected to attend. The city is also distributing water bottles to handle the warm weather.

The Italian government has declared five days of national mourning, which is longer than the three days observed for Pope John Paul II’s passing in 2005. After the funeral, attention will turn to the papal conclave, where cardinals will gather to choose Francis’s successor.

Pope Francis's passing, less than a month after recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, has left a void in the hearts of Catholics worldwide. His influence and capacity to listen and welcome people will be sorely missed by many.

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