St. Peter's Basilica reopened its doors on Thursday to welcome crowds of believers from around the world who lined up to pay their last respects to Pope Francis. About 61,000 people joined the magnificent procession, creating lines that stretched for miles, A2 CNN reports. The basilica was originally scheduled to close at midnight on Wednesday, but given the size of the crowds, officials kept it open until 5:30 a.m. before reopening at 7 a.m. on Thursday.
"He was a wonderful pope," say some of the inhabitants of Rome. "We will miss him very much, because it is as if we have lost a part of ourselves," add others.
On Saturday, over 170 delegations, including heads of state and government, including US President Donald Trump, will be present in St. Peter's Square for the funeral ceremony.
Former German leader Angela Merkel will not attend Francis' funeral. "The former federal chancellor is not expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral on April 26," a spokeswoman for her office said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be present either. If Putin enters Italy, he risks being arrested after the Hague Court's ruling. Netanyahu's absence comes after often strained relations between Israel and the Holy See over criticism of the war in Gaza. Russia will be represented by its Minister of Culture. Israel by its ambassador to Italy.
Some of the cardinals with the right to vote say that Pope Francis had a “unanimous assessment.” Meanwhile, Vatican protocol states that the rite of closing the coffin of Pope Francis will take place on Friday at 8:00 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica. The rite will be presided over by Cardinal Farrell of the Holy Roman Church. (A2 Televizion)
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