Pope Francis Lies in State as Thousands Pay Final Respects Ahead of Funeral
Thousands gather at St. Peter's Basilica to mourn Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. His funeral is set for Saturday.
The funeral, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, will take place in St. Peter’s Square outside the basilica, and will be open to the public.
How to visit Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral
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Over the coming days, tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through the basilica.
The Vatican opens St. Peter’s Basilica to public to pay final respects to Pope Francis
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Francis’ death and funeral inaugurates a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming days before entering into a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
Catholic faithful pay their final respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica
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Francis' death and funeral inaugurates a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming days before entering into a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
Catholic faithful pay their final respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica
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The humble yet forceful pontiff whose reign was marked by clashes with the powerful and unrelenting support for the marginalized.
Thousands mourn, pay homage to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica: Live updates
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The announcement comes as Tesla’s stock price plummeted more than 50% from its most recent high in December 2024.
Thousands gather to pay their respects to Pope Francis
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The first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, he had held the role for 12 years.
Pope Francis's body moved to St Peter's Basilica for lying in state
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History’s first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.
Public mourning begins as pope’s coffin arrives in St Peter’s Basilica
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The three days of public viewing are largely for ordinary Catholics to pay their respects to the pontiff.
Pope Francis’ body is transferred to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing
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History's first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.
Pope Francis' body moved to St. Peter's Basilica for 3 days of public viewing
CBS News·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Francis’ death and funeral inaugurates a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4-billion strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming week before entering into a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
St. Peter's Basilica opens to the public to pay their respects to Pope Francis before his funeral
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Overall, Francis was regarded as less conservative than his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.
Did Pope Francis ‘Pack’ the Conclave?
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Whoever is chosen will face the heavy task of guiding the Catholic Church during one of the most tumultuous times in its history, in which multiple wars and cultural clashes loom daily.
Who Are Possible Contenders to Succeed Pope Francis?
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Parolin, Tagle Among Top Prospects to Be Next Pope
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Speculating about a successor to Pope Francis is particularly difficult, mostly because of how the pontiff’s often-cloudy leadership positioned the future trajectory of the Roman Catholic Church.
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He is not known as the most charismatic of speakers, but has voiced his opinions with less ambiguity than many church leaders often do, pushing for theological orthodoxy in his decade-long role as head of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences.
After Pope Francis' death, debates begin over his successor
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The reshaping of the College of Cardinals during Pope Francis’s papacy is clear: 27% of the electors have been appointed in the last two years.
What now? This is the process for electing the next Pope
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Summary
Pope Francis, who died at age 88 on April 21 following a stroke, lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica, where thousands of mourners are paying their final respects. The public viewing started on Wednesday and will conclude on Friday evening, allowing ordinary Catholics to grieve their beloved pope. During the viewing, cardinals met to finalize the funeral details and prepare for the conclave to elect a successor, which is expected to begin after May 5. Francis’ funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, attended by global leaders like President Donald Trump.
Perspectives
Pope Francis's body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for public viewing until his funeral on Saturday, accommodating thousands of mourners. Cardinal Kevin Farrell presided over the procession from Casa Santa Marta to the basilica.
The public viewing period allows ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope, who died following a stroke, with tens of thousands expected to pay their respects before the casket is closed and sealed.
The funeral will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with notable attendees like U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei.
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