Thousands Flock to St. Peter’s Basilica for Second Day to Honor Pope Francis

Vatican City, April 24, 2025 — For the second consecutive day, thousands of mourners from across the globe converged on St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose body lies in state following his recent passing. The sprawling queues, stretching from the basilica’s grand colonnades through the cobblestone streets of Rome, bore testament to the profound impact of the pontiff’s legacy, as pilgrims, clergy, and world leaders united in grief and reverence.

By midday, Vatican officials estimated that over 30,000 people had passed through the basilica’s hallowed doors, surpassing the 20,000 mourners recorded on the first day. The Vatican extended viewing hours until 10 p.m. to accommodate the swelling crowds, with some waiting up to six hours for a fleeting moment to view the pontiff’s body, dressed in traditional red vestments and resting on a simple bier beneath the basilica’s soaring dome. Security remained tight, with Italian police and Swiss Guards maintaining order amid the emotional throng.

“It’s a pilgrimage of the heart,” said Maria Rossi, a 62-year-old teacher from Naples, clutching a rosary as she stood in line. “Pope Francis was a voice for the poor, for peace. I had to come to say goodbye.” Similar sentiments echoed through the crowd, with mourners sharing stories of the pope’s humility, his calls for compassion, and his efforts to bridge divides in a polarized world.

The outpouring of grief recalls the scenes in January 2023, when an estimated 200,000 people paid respects to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI over three days of public viewing. On the second day alone, January 3, 2023, some 70,000 mourners filed past Benedict’s body, a reflection of his enduring influence as a theological giant. Yet, the scale of the current gathering underscores Pope Francis’ unique role as a global figure, whose 12-year papacy was marked by bold reforms, environmental advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.

Inside the basilica, the atmosphere was one of solemn reverence. Soft organ music filled the air as mourners, some in tears, others in silent prayer, approached the pope’s body. Volunteers distributed water and prayer cards, while priests offered blessings to those overcome with emotion. Among the visitors were dignitaries, including heads of state and representatives from other Christian denominations and faiths, highlighting Francis’ legacy of interfaith dialogue.

“It’s not just Catholics who mourn him,” said Imam Hassan al-Bakri, who traveled from Milan to attend. “His message of love and unity touched us all.” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, was also seen greeting mourners, a reminder of the Church’s ongoing preparations for the papal funeral and the conclave to elect Francis’ successor.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place in the coming days, expected to draw millions to Rome and billions more watching worldwide. The ceremony, steeped in centuries-old tradition, will be held in St. Peter’s Square, with burial likely in the grottoes beneath the basilica, alongside his predecessors. Until then, the public viewing will continue, with officials anticipating even larger crowds as the week progresses.

For many, the journey to Rome is both a farewell and a celebration of a pontiff who reshaped the Catholic Church’s engagement with the modern world. “He was our shepherd, but also our brother,” said Juan Morales, a 45-year-old farmer from Argentina, Francis’ homeland. “His spirit is still with us.”

As night fell over Vatican City, the lines showed no sign of thinning. Candles flickered in the hands of those waiting, their glow illuminating a city united in mourning—and in hope for the future of the Church that Pope Francis so profoundly shaped.