CA, US & World
Final Farewells as Half a Million Expected for Pope Francis’s Historic Funeral
With just one day to go before the funeral of Pope Francis, mourners from around the world are gathering in Vatican City to pay their final respects to the late Pontiff. Friday marks the last day of public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica, where more than 250,000 people have already passed by his open casket, including a French nun who broke protocol to say goodbye.
Pope Francis, known as the "People’s Pope," inspired a global outpouring of grief and gratitude. “He wanted us to love one another and he represented that by showing love,” said Denise Patterson from Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
His coffin was sealed in a traditional rite Friday evening, ahead of Saturday's funeral service. Vatican officials expect nearly 500,000 people to crowd St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding areas for the funeral procession and mass.
Among those paying tribute was Renato Llontop Calosi, a Georgetown University alum now studying in Geneva. Renato, who previously met Pope Francis during a 2023 NBC interview, traveled to Rome to honor the Pontiff’s legacy. “He brought the Church and the people together. He connected religion with care for the environment, with our common home,” he shared.
More than 50 world leaders, including President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, are flying in for the funeral. Security has been significantly increased in anticipation of their arrival and the public procession.
In a historical shift, Pope Francis will be buried outside the Vatican walls at Santa Maria Maggiore, making him the first pope in 120 years to be laid to rest beyond the Vatican grounds. His tomb is inscribed simply: Franciscus.
“It’s a good message of Jesus Christ to be humble, and I really loved that,” said Mulanga Tshilengi, who traveled from Canada to pay tribute.
As Rome prepares for one of its largest religious events in decades, the faithful are not only mourning a global leader—but celebrating a pope who redefined what it meant to serve the people.
Credit: CNN Newsource
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 25, 2025
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