Pope Francis's Body Lying in State at St. Peter's Basilica Amid Global Mourning

Pope Francis's body has been placed in an open coffin at St. Peter's Basilica to allow mourners to pay their respects before his upcoming funeral. Thousands attended the solemn procession, reflecting on his impactful 12-year papacy and social advocacy.

The body of Pope Francis has been transferred from his Vatican residence to St. Peter's Basilica, where it will lie in state ahead of his funeral on Saturday. The late pontiff’s body was carried all the way in a formal procession that took place on Wednesday morning, drawing thousands of worshippers to St. Peter's Square to pay their respects. As his open coffin passed through the square, church bells tolled, and the crowds responded with applause, a cherished Italian expression of respect.

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and battling double pneumonia, served as the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years. The procession, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, featured red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests accompanying the coffin from the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse to the Basilica, while Swiss Guards ensured the safety of the body as it was escorted to the church’s altar.

Public viewing of the pontiff commenced at 11:00 local time on Wednesday, attracting dedicated crowds who had begun to gather early in the day. Among the mourners was Mary Ellen, an American residing in Italy, who expressed her admiration for Pope Francis, stating, "I love Papa Francesco. He’s humble, kind, he loves immigrants." She expressed her intention to pray when passing the coffin, seeking the late Pope’s guidance for her work with immigrants.

Others echoed her sentiments. Fredrik, originally from Ghana, reflected on the Pope's legacy and the importance of carrying forward his humanitarian values. Similarly, Eva Asensio, a Mexican tourist, reminisced about the Pope's inclusive nature, while Margo, a French resident of Rome, described him as a symbol of hope.

World dignitaries, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, are expected to attend the funeral service. Following his wishes for a simpler ceremony, Pope Francis arranged for a benefactor to fund the arrangements. Unlike many of his predecessors, he will not be laid to rest in St. Peter's; instead, he will be buried in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, with a modest tombstone engraved solely with his name.

Prior to the transfer to St. Peter's, he was lying in an open coffin in the chapel of his residence, watched over by Swiss Guards and cardinals in prayer. His last public appearance occurred on Easter Sunday when he addressed the gathered masses from a wheelchair. As the Catholic Church enters a period known as Sede Vacante, which signifies an empty seat until a new leader is elected, the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to resonate among the faithful and beyond.

Let's explore who the next Pope might be, as we look at the key candidates in this unpredictable contest that follows the changes Francis brought to the Catholic Church.