The world has started its joint odyssey to Vatican City as Pope Francis is in repose in St. Peter’s Basilica, the beginning of a record-breaking farewell from the entire globe to the 266th bishop of Rome, who reshaped contemporary Catholicism. Officials predict more than 5 million people will descend on Rome in the coming days, making this perhaps the biggest event in Vatican history after John Paul II’s funeral in 2005.
What’s Happening Now:
• The body of the pontiff was brought into the basilica this morning in corteo semplice (simple procession), respecting his humility preference
• Bereaved are already waiting in a 3km line extending as far as Castel Sant’Angelo, waiting in excess of 12 hours
• Security has been increased to “Jubilee-level” status, with 10,000 police and military personnel stationed
• Live broadcasts capture pilgrims erupting spontaneously into song of “Papa Francesco” outside the basilica
Global Impact:
The image crosses denominations – world leaders from President Biden to Cuba’s Díaz-Canel have accepted invitations to attend Saturday’s funeral. Francis’ homeland Argentina has proclaimed three days of national mourning, and homeless populations he advocated for in Rome are staging overnight prayer vigils at shelters he regularly visited incognito.
Why This Matters:
This is the first papal passing in the social media age, and the Vatican formally kicked off an official #ThankYouFrancis campaign. Online tributes follow the same way as the street tributes – both full of anecdotes about his hidden acts of kindness, such as calling rape victims personally and washing the feet of refugees.
What’s Next:
• Thursday: Scheduled release of Francis’ sealed testament
• Friday Night: Ecumenical prayer service with leaders from Orthodox, Protestant and Muslim faiths
• Saturday 10AM: Funeral Mass to be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
• Sunday: Private burial in the Vatican grottoes beside St. Peter’s tomb
Pro Tip for Pilgrims:
Rome’s Termini Station has added 200 more ticket machines and a 24-hour assistance desk for bereaved. The Vatican advises downloading their official application for real-time updates about queues and digital spaces of prayer.
