Vatican extended the opening hours of the Basilica of Sts. Peter, so that thousands of believers could pay tribute to Pope Francis, whose funeral is expected to participate in 200,000 people.
Almost 50,000 people gave up in the Basilica of Sts. Peter in the Vatican honor of the late Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Vatican announced on Thursday, TASR writes, according to AFP and ANSA reports.
The open coffin with the body was exhibited by the main altar above the grave of St. Peter, called the altar of the confession on Wednesday at 11.00. By Thursday 8.30 am, the memory of the deceased Pope honored approximately 48,600 people.
Many believers and pilgrims waited in line in front of the temple for several hours. Ansa claims that they were supposed to close the basilica at midnight on Wednesday, but for a number of believers and pilgrims who wanted to pay tribute to the Pope, the Vatican left it open until Thursday to 5.30 am. It was opened again at 7.00. Between midnight and a half six in the morning, the Basilica of Sts. Peter about 13,000 people.
Francis on Wednesday was also given to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Around the coffin with the body of the Pope, who is wearing a red a chasuble, white mitra, black shoes AA between the fingers of the rosary, it is necessary to pass within a few seconds.
The basilica will remain open to the public on Thursday until midnight and Friday until 7 pm. Subsequently, the coffin is sealed.
The funeral of the Pope Francis will take place on Saturday at 10.00 ha participation has been confirmed by several world leaders. More than 200,000 people are expected to participate in the funeral ceremonies, Ansa writes.
After the funeral mass in front of the Basilica of Sts. Peter’s coffin with the body will be transferred to the Pope’s favorite temple in Rome – the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of the Virgin Mary larger), where he will be buried in a simple grave marked with the inscription Franciscus (Francis in Latin). In his last will, the Pope expressed his desire to be buried in a simple, unparent tomb in the Roman Basilica, where the famous icon Salus Populi Romani, which the Pope specially honored.
