Vatican Extends Hours for Public Viewing of Pope Francis as Thousands Pay Respects
Public viewing hours extended for Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica due to overwhelming attendance ahead of his funeral on April 26.
The hours spent in the long line along the stately via della Conciliazione through St. Peter’s Square and through the Holy Door into the basilica have allowed mourners to find community.
AP PHOTOS: Faithful join the line to pay their final respects to Pope Francis
Associated Press·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The death of Francis, who was 88, capped a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and his message of inclusion, but he was also criticized by some conservatives who felt alienated by his progressive outlook.
Vatican keeps St. Peter's open all night for public viewing of Pope Francis due to strong turnout
ABC News·8d·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 will usher in a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming days before entering a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
Here’s what we know about Pope Francis’ funeral
Boston Herald·9d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
The funeral marks the start of a nine-day period of mourning and prayer, after which the cardinals will meet in conclave to pray, discern, and elect a new pope.
Pope Francis’s Body Placed in St. Peter’s Basilica for Public Viewing
Epoch Times·9d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Not only was the late Pope new in his approach to leading the Catholic Church, he was the first non-European to hold the position in more than 1,200 years and the first Latin American Pope.
Who Is Set to Attend Pope Francis' Funeral? What to Know
TIME Magazine·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
As the funeral rituals continue, speculation is rife about who will succeed Francis.
Thousands from around world wait hours to visit coffin of Pope Francis
The Guardian·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The papacy of Pope Francis was notable for reforming the Roman Catholic Church, as he appointed more than half of the current College of Cardinals and attempted to foster more positive attitudes toward members of the LGBT community and migrants worldwide.
How to Stream Pope Francis' Funeral – and Conclave, the Movie About Picking the Next Pope
CNET·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, but he also leads the Holy See – a sovereign juridical entity with a seat at the United Nations – and the Vatican city-state.
What we know about the funeral of Pope Francis
Al Jazeera·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Summary
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, at age 88, public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica has seen vast turnout, forcing the Vatican to extend visiting hours into the night. Attendees, including U.S. President Trump, have gathered to pay respects, joining mourners like Peruvian nun Alba Socola, who waited five hours to honor Francis. Responding to overwhelming interest, the Vatican has adjusted its schedule to accommodate thousands, with more than 50,000 visitors recorded within the first 12 hours. The funeral Mass will be held on April 26, ahead of the election of his successor expected by May 5.
Perspectives
Pope Francis' passing has elicited a significant global response, with thousands gathering to pay their respects, highlighting his legacy of inclusion and humility.
The Vatican's decision to extend public viewing hours at St. Peter's Basilica reflects the extraordinary turnout and people’s desire to honor Francis’ contributions to the church and society as a whole.
The diverse backgrounds of mourners underline the universal impact of Francis’ papacy, as individuals from various nations and demographics come together to celebrate his life and teachings.
FAQs
History
- 9d
- 9d