VATICAN CITY — They came from far and wide, the U.S., the U.K. and South America among other places, all united in their desire to pay their last respects to Pope Francis.
Outside St. Peter’s Basilica, thousands of people lined up for hours, some waiting in the cold twilight of Thursday morning to catch a glimpse of the pontiff’s body as it lay in a simple wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments, his hands folded and holding a rosary.
Closed for just an hour for cleaning, the holy place was reopened as hushed mourners including nuns, priests and members of the public started to file past Francis, who died Monday after he suffered a stroke.
California native Sonia James, 20, described him as “an extremely influential leader,” as she waited in line Wednesday. “I think it’s important and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
She was joined by her friend Molly Dorman from Fair Port, Alabama. “I can stand in a line for three or four hours. I think that it’s important to do that,” Dorman said.
Dorman, 19, said it was her first visit to Rome and thought it would be “solemn and surreal” to see Francis' body close up.
One of the first to pass by the coffin was Liza Massachi, who said the basilica was very crowded when she entered after lining up for around hour inside.
She likened losing Francis to “losing your grandfather, your very wise grandfather.”
She added that she said “her last goodbyes.”
On Friday, a holiday in Italy, the crowds lined up outside the basilica at St. Peter's Square were even larger as the last of the faithful lined up for the final day to view the pope before the coffin is sealed shut.
Francis' funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) in St. Peter’s Square, after which the Vatican press office is expected to release details of the conclave that will elect the next pontiff.
Heads of state, including President Donald Trump, are expected to attend Francis' funeral.
Molly Hunter and Claudio Lavanga reported from Vatican City and Max Butterworth from London.
