In Photos: Vatican opens St Peter’s Basilica for public — Viewing may be extended

The body of Pope Francis is carried through St. Peter’s Square to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (Cecilia Fabiano/ Lapresse via AP)

Francis’ body will lie in state in the basilica until his funeral and burial on Saturday. He had asked to be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major, near his favorite Madonna icon, diverging from tradition, as most of his predecessors were buried in St. Peter’s.

The body of Pope Francis is carried through St. Peter’s Square to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. (AP Photo)

Public mourning

The public mourning period began at 11 am on Wednesday. In just the first 8.5 hours, nearly 20,000 people passed through the basilica, prompting Vatican officials to consider extending the viewing hours due to high demand.

When can the public pay respects?

• 23 April, Wednesday: 11:00 am to midnight
• 24 April, Thursday: 07:00 am to midnight
• 25 April, Friday: 07:00 am to 07:00 pm

The three-day mourning is largely for ordinary Catholics, while the heads of state will attend the funeral in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday.

People queue to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. (AP Photo)

A pope remembered for inclusion and reform

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, led the institution for 12 years. He was widely considered a reformer, drawing both praise and criticism — often clashing with traditionalists but championing inclusion and support for the poor.

Mourners formed a slow, shuffling procession through the Holy Door of the basilica, many seeking a Jubilee Year indulgence. The casket, placed on a ramp, faced the crowd as four Swiss Guards stood at attention. Many visitors paused for a photo or prayer.

“We came because we didn’t bring them when he was alive, so we thought we would bring them for a final farewell,’’ said Rosa Scorpati, exiting with her three children. “They were good, but I don’t think they really understood because they haven’t yet had to deal with death.”

“I am very devoted to the pope,” said Ivenes Bianco, visiting from Brindisi, Italy, for an operation. “He was important to me because he brought many people together by encouraging coexistence.” She cited Francis’ support for the gay community and the poor.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. (AP Photo)

Humbeline Coroy from France, who had come for the now-suspended canonization of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis, said the visit helped her integrate her experiences working with disabled children and the poor in Madagascar. “Being here, and close to the pope, is a way of integrating these experiences, and make them concrete,” she said.

Riccardo Ojedea from Colombia waited two hours. “He left a very important legacy for everyone,” he said, “to make this world happier.”

(with inputs from agencies)