Public viewing of the late Pope Francis begins today at St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing thousands of faithful mourners amid tight security measures in Vatican City.
Bombo International News Correspondent Demetrio “Bong” Rafanan reported that the flow of visitors is steadily increasing as the faithful arrive to pay their last respects to the beloved pontiff.
Security protocols are strictly enforced before entry, with lines stretching nearly a kilometer outside the basilica.
Following Pope Francis’ final wishes, the Vatican will observe a simple wake and burial, with his remains to be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
At 9:00 a.m. today, his body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing until his burial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
The funeral mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and will be attended by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from across the world.
The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and Masses for the eternal repose of Pope Francis.
While the Italian Government has yet to declare a national day of mourning, it has already extended its condolences to the Catholic Church.