New Yorkers Share Memories of Pope Francis' Final Public Appearance in St. Peter's Square

Farewell to Pope Francis

• 🕊️ Pope Francis, 88, will lie in state for three days in St. Peter's Basilica, with public viewing beginning tomorrow morning.
• 🌍 Services and mourning are occurring globally, leading up to his funeral in the Vatican on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local time.
• 💔 A rosary prayer service was held tonight in St. Peter's Square, with songs echoing through the area.

A Personal Encounter

• 💬 New Yorkers Angel and Lette Alvarez shared their experience seeing Pope Francis during a surprise appearance at Sunday's Easter celebration.
• ✨ They described the moment as "special" and "super emotional," highlighting his inclusive nature: "He saw everybody, gays, women's, everybody. Everybody was the same."
• 🗣️ Pope Francis' last words to his personal assistant were reportedly, "Thank you for bringing me back to the square."

Preparations for the Funeral

• 🏛️ Cardinals from around the world are gathering for a general congregation to finalize plans for the pontiff's burial.
• 🌟 The public viewing will allow for three days of final farewells before the funeral service.
• 🎤 Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza is reporting live from Vatican City, with a live report also coming from St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan.

Dignitaries and Legacy

• 🇺🇸 President Trump and President Zelensky, along with Prince William, are among the expected dignitaries at the funeral.
• 🇮🇪 Cardinal Dolan is en route to Vatican City to participate in the conclave.
• 🙏 The hope is that Pope Francis will be remembered for his humanity and his echo of hope.