More than 20,000 mourners flocked to the Vatican today, forming lines that stretched for hours as they waited to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whose body has been placed on display inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a three-day period of public mourning.
The basilica’s grand central aisle was filled with solemn visitors—some weeping, others pausing for prayer—as they passed by the pontiff’s open casket. Many recounted waiting up to five hours to gain entry, followed by another hour inside before reaching the front, according to NBC News.
Despite the large turnout, visitors said the lines moved at a steady pace as people respectfully filed in and out. One woman told reporters her final moment was a simple, heartfelt gesture—blowing a kiss toward the casket.
Vatican officials told Sky News the current wait time is approximately eight hours, prompting concerns that not all mourners in line may get the chance to see the Pope before the basilica closes at midnight. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the Vatican is considering extending viewing hours beyond midnight.
The basilica will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow and remain accessible until at least midnight once again to accommodate the growing crowds. On the final day of the lying in state, the doors will close at 7 p.m. to allow for preparations ahead of Saturday’s funeral mass.
An estimated 200,000 people are expected to attend the outdoor funeral service, with tens of thousands more anticipated to pass through St. Peter’s Basilica in the coming days to pay their final respects to the late pontiff.
