On Sunday morning, people began lining up well before dawn to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away last Easter Monday. Thousands of mourners gathered at Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome to honor the late pontiff. Faithful from around the world started streaming in as early as 7 am when the doors opened to the public. Many had arrived hours earlier to secure their place.
By midday, around 20,000 people had reached the basilica, with 13,000 already inside, according to Rome’s Questura. Visitors could only pause briefly to pray at the pope’s tomb due to the overwhelming crowd.
A Solemn and Simple Tribute
The tomb of Pope Francis stood as a simple, poignant tribute. It featured the engraving “Franciscus,” marking his resting place. Beside it, a single white rose and the pope’s pectoral cross rested in quiet remembrance.
Several Eucharistic celebrations took place in the side chapels throughout the day. These services gave mourners a chance to reflect on Pope Francis’ teachings and his profound impact on the Church. The main mass, held at 10 am, took place at the basilica’s central altar and drew a large congregation. Despite the crowd, the Vatican made sure that visitors could experience Pope Francis’ presence meaningfully. Mourners continued to pay their respects until 7 pm and during the official mourning period.
The Conclave and Election of a New Pope
The Catholic Church is now preparing for a transition. The College of Cardinals will soon begin the Conclave to elect a new pope. According to canon law, the Conclave must begin no later than May 10, although no exact date has been confirmed. Until then, the Church will continue its mourning period.
Masses at the Vatican: 200,000 Pilgrims Gather
Meanwhile, St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas overflowed with pilgrims. The Vatican press office reported about 200,000 people gathered in the square and nearby streets. The crowd stretched from Piazza Pia to Piazza Risorgimento, along Via della Conciliazione. Authorities closed access to the square by 10:30 am after reaching maximum capacity.
For those unable to enter, large screens were set up in nearby squares. These screens allowed mourners to follow the mass from a distance. The massive turnout underscored Pope Francis’ global influence and the deep respect people had for him.
Young Pilgrims Join the Jubilee of Teenagers
In addition to the mourners, a large group of young pilgrims attended the Jubilee of Teenagers event. The program was adjusted to accommodate the mourning period. As a result, the canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis was postponed. Despite these changes, the young pilgrims still took part in the mass, joining in the shared mourning for Pope Francis.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State and a possible candidate in the upcoming Conclave, addressed the youth during the mass. He spoke about Pope Francis’ deep desire to meet the young people and celebrate their presence personally. Cardinal Parolin said, “The Easter joy, alive even in grief, shines in your faces here today.” He praised the youth from Italy, Europe, the United States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Arab Emirates for their faith and strength.
Cardinal Parolin ended his address with a heartfelt greeting to the young pilgrims and their bishops. He urged them to feel embraced by both the Church and Pope Francis’ affection. His words resonated deeply, earning applause from the crowd.
A Farewell Marked by Reverence and Hope
The outpouring of love for Pope Francis was evident in the crowds that gathered. The day was filled with reflection, reverence, and shared grief. But in the midst of mourning, there was also hope. Pilgrims from across the world celebrated the life of a pope who was a beacon of peace and compassion.
As the Church prepares for the Conclave, Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide the faithful. His contributions to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmental care will have a lasting impact on both the Catholic Church and the world.