Over 60,000 Pay Tribute to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica

More than 60,000 people have visited St. Peter’s Basilica to bid farewell to Pope Francis, as public viewing entered its second day on Thursday. The basilica, which had remained open continuously from Wednesday morning until 5:30 a.m. Thursday, saw the line of mourners begin to form again just 30 minutes later.

By midday, crowds were still arriving in steady streams, gathering in the cool morning light of Rome to pay their last respects to the late pontiff.

Among those in line were Maria Luisa and Stefania, a mother and daughter from Sicily. Stefania, who now lives in Rome, had been preparing for her daughter's baptism this coming Saturday. But when they heard the news of Pope Francis' death, their priorities shifted immediately.

“We didn’t even think twice,” they said. “We knew we had to try and see him one last time.”

Euronews journalist Maria Michela D'Alessandro was among those in attendance, documenting the emotion and reverence of the moment.

Nearby, Anthony, a Canadian on his honeymoon, stood quietly in line with his wife. Born into a Catholic family of Italian immigrants who moved to Canada in the 1950s, Anthony didn’t hesitate when he heard the news of Pope Francis’ passing.

“We’re only in Rome from Wednesday to Friday, but we knew this was something we couldn’t miss,” he told Euronews.

For Anastasius, a Trappist monk from Hong Kong currently studying in Rome, the moment held deep spiritual meaning.

“First of all, I want to thank him for all his pastoral service to the Church over the past 12 years. I’m sure he has done a wonderful job for the people of God,” he said. “And I hope the direction he has given to the Church will continue.”