In a powerful outpouring of grief and reverence, thousands of mourners have queued through the night to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose body lies in an open coffin at St Peter’s Basilica. The Argentine pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke, after previously spending five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia.

The public viewing began at 11:00 local time on Wednesday and was originally scheduled to end at midnight. However, due to overwhelming turnout, Vatican authorities extended visiting hours to accommodate the immense crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square.

The scene outside the basilica was both solemn and deeply emotional, with many pilgrims waiting for hours—some up to eight—to file past the casket. Bells tolled across Vatican City as Swiss Guards escorted the Pope’s coffin in a moving 40-minute procession, prompting respectful applause from the assembled faithful, a traditional Italian sign of mourning.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit pope in the Catholic Church’s history. His 12-year pontificate was marked by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and bold efforts to reform Church governance and doctrine. He was widely admired for his progressive views on social issues, including his outreach to immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

Inside the basilica, thousands quietly passed by the casket under the gaze of marble saints and previous popes. Some knelt, others crossed themselves, prayed, or paused to take in the profound moment. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remained reverent and contemplative.

The Pope’s body will remain in state until Friday evening. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with dignitaries from around the world expected to attend.

True to his character, Pope Francis left instructions for a modest ceremony, eschewing the elaborate rites of many of his predecessors. He arranged for a benefactor to cover funeral expenses and will not be buried in the traditional papal crypt beneath St Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he will rest in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a simple tombstone bearing only his name.

Before his transfer to St Peter’s, Pope Francis was briefly laid in state in the chapel of his Vatican residence, surrounded by Swiss Guards and praying cardinals. His final public appearance came on Easter Sunday, when he addressed the faithful from a wheelchair and blessed worshippers in St Peter’s Square.

With his passing, the Vatican has entered the period known as Sede Vacante—the empty seat—until a new pope is elected.

As the faithful continue to line up in silence and prayer, one thing is clear: Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion, humility, and reform has left an indelible mark on the Church—and on the world.