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Massive Crowds Gather at St. Peter's Basilica to Honor Pope Francis
Following Pope Francis's death, St. Peter's Basilica has seen an unprecedented influx of mourners, prompting extended viewing hours to accommodate the faithful wishing to pay their respects. The funeral, set for April 26, is anticipated to draw numerous international dignitaries.
In the days following Pope Francis's passing on April 21, 2025, tens of thousands of mourners have gathered at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to pay their final respects. The Vatican has kept the basilica open overnight to accommodate the massive turnout, with more than 90,000 visitors filing past the late pontiff's simple wooden casket by Thursday evening.
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Extended Viewing Hours: Due to the overwhelming number of mourners, the Vatican extended the basilica's viewing hours, keeping it open throughout the night and closing only briefly for cleaning.
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Global Attendance: Mourners from around the world, including individuals who traveled from countries such as Mexico and Ireland, have waited in lines stretching several hours to honor Pope Francis's legacy.
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Funeral Arrangements: Pope Francis's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony is expected to be attended by over 130 delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs.
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