Vatican Opens Its Gates: St. Peter’s Basilica Welcomes Pilgrims to Pay Final Respects to Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY, April 23, 2025 — In a moment steeped in reverence and historical significance, the world bids farewell to one of the most beloved spiritual leaders of the modern era. The body of Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome, has been solemnly transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where it will lie in state from April 23 to April 26, 2025. Pilgrims, dignitaries, and faithful from every corner of the globe are now converging on the Holy See to pay their final respects to a pontiff remembered for his humility, reformist vision, and unwavering advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
