Since Wednesday, the remains of Pope Francis are lying in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral Mass on Saturday.
Francis’s simple coffin, based on his specifications, was laid at the Altar of the Confessio, a sacred space in front of the main altar, above the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope. Francis decreed that his coffin would not be exhibited on a raised platform known as a catafalque, and would not be comprised of the usual triple casket of cypress, lead and oak.
The following video shows images of people filling St. Peter’s Square to await their turn to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, along with other related scenes and events. It gives a sense of this extraordinary time for Rome, for the Catholic Church and for the world at large:
<em>Photo: Pope Francis lies in state inside St Peter's Basilica as people pay their respects, Vatican, Vatican City, 24 April 2025. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images.)</em>
