Journalism of Courage
The Vatican opened St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, allowing the public to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. (AP Photo)
The basilica’s central aisle was flooded with mourners, many of whom were on Easter vacation. (AP Photo)
The pope’s body, initially in an open casket at his Vatican residence for private viewing, was later moved to the basilica in a procession led by cardinals and bishops. (AP Photo)
Thousands poured in on the first day of public mourning, with nearly 20,000 people passing through the basilica in just 8.5 hours. (AP Photo)
In response to the overwhelming turnout, the Vatican is now considering extending viewing hours to accommodate the growing crowd. (AP Photo)
The public can pay their respects over three days: from 11 am to midnight on April 23, 7 am to midnight on April 24, and 7 am to 7 pm on April 25. (AP Photo)
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died of complications following a severe cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and eventually irreversible heart failure. (AP Photo)
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a 77-year-old Irish-American prelate, has stepped in as the acting head of the Vatican during the period known as Sedes Vacans. As camerlengo, a role Pope Francis appointed him to in 2019, Farrell is responsible for certifying the pontiff’s death, sealing his private quarters, organising the funeral rites, and preparing for the conclave to elect the next pope. (AP Photo)
Pope Francis’ funeral will be held in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, with heads of state expected to attend. (AP Photo)
Known for his progressive vision and outreach to the marginalized, Pope Francis served as the first Latin American pontiff for 12 years. His papacy was marked by efforts toward reform and inclusion, often challenging traditionalist views within the Church. (AP Photo)
Honouring his final wishes, Pope Francis will not be buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica like most of his predecessors. Instead, he requested to be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major, near the Madonna icon he revered. (AP Photo)
