Pope Francis Lies in State: Thousands Pay Respects at St. Peter's Square

Public Viewing for Pope Francis

• 🕊️ Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square to pay their respects as Pope Francis lay in state.
• ⏳ The public viewing, which will last for two days, saw immense lines snaking through the square, with over 25,000 people passing through St. Peter's Basilica on the first day.
• 💔 The procession of Pope Francis's coffin from his apartment to St. Peter's Basilica was met with rounds of applause from the global crowd.

Pope's Legacy and Public Sentiment

• ✝️ Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, was among those paying respects, praying for mercy upon the Pope's soul and thanking God for his gift.
• 😢 Many attendees expressed sadness and a desire to pray for the Pope, with some moved to tears by the experience.
• 🌟 Pope Francis wished to be remembered as a simple man of the people, a sentiment that seemed to resonate widely, drawing people of all religions.
• 🌍 The humility of the Pope was highlighted as a key factor in his ability to connect with people, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Vatican and Future Proceedings

• 🏛️ The Pope's coffin was placed at the altar of the confession, grounded rather than elevated, reflecting the legacy he leaves behind.
• 🧐 Cardinals met to discuss future proceedings, though no timeline for the conclave has been announced.
• 🛡️ Italy's security plan for the coming days at the Vatican was launched and will be discussed further.