Thursday at noon, more than 60,000 people had already crossed the Saint-Pierre basilica to say goodbye to Pope Francis, while public vision entered its second day.
The basilica had stayed continuously open from Wednesday morning to 5:30 am Thursday. Half an hour later, at 6 am, the queue resumed as the crowds start gathering at the Roman dawn fresh, hoping to make their last respect for fire pontiff.
Among the first arrivals were Maria Luisa and Stefania, a mother and daughter of Sicily. Stefania now lives in Rome and her mother had come to the capital for the baptism of her granddaughter this Saturday.
But when they learned the news of Pope Francis' death, their plans have changed instantly. “We didn't even think twice,” they said. “We knew we had to try to see him one last time.”
They were there before – when Pope John Paul II died, they joined a group of pilgrims from Sicily. At the time, it took them 16 hours to see his body.
Nearby, Anthony, a Canadian during his honeymoon, was quietly online with his wife. Born into a Catholic family of Italian immigrants who moved to Canada in the 1950s, Anthony did not hesitate when he learned the news.
“We are not in Rome until Wednesday to Friday. But we knew that it was something that we could not miss,” he told Euronews.
For Anastasius, a trappist monk from Hong Kong who is now studying in Rome, the moment was deeply spiritual.
“First of all, I want to thank him for all his pastoral services in church in the past 12 years. I am sure he has done a wonderful job for the people of God. And I hope that the direction he has given to the Church will continue,” said Anastasius.
At 8:15 am, an hour and 45 minutes after the start of the new queue, those waiting reached the security checks under the emblematic colonnade of St.peter's Square. Journalists were not allowed to enter with cameras, but mobile phones were authorized.
While the line advanced, workers already placed rows of chairs on the square, were preparing for the funeral from Saturday at 10 am.
Cross the holy door to see the body of Pope Francis
Crossing the holy door in this context looked like a sacred passage for many.
Most were silent. Those who spoke have whispered reflections on Pope Francis – or have silently speculated about who could succeed him.
Inside, the crowd moved slowly. Each person stopped for a few moments before the body of the Pope, lying at rest, then came out in silence in a side aisle.
Adora and Erma, two women from the Philippines who are now working in Rome, woke up at 4 am to be among the first online. “We are working today and we are tired,” they said, “but we are happy and sad at the same time.”
ADVERTISEMENTFather Joseph described the moment with emotion. “I came to Rome in 2015, and since then, Pope Francis has been the only pope I have known,” he told Euronews. “Obviously, Pope Benedict was already retired. He accompanied my training.”
“When I heard about his death, it was shocking – no one expected it. Seeing his body was surreal. He looked so different. But I am grateful to have come.”
Over the day, thousands of people continue to arrive. The line shows no signs of narrowing. And inside the basilica, silence speaks volumes about love, respect and the deep impression that Pope Francis has left on the Catholic faithful.
