Vatican extends public viewing hours for beloved Pope Francis

In Vatican City, mourners from around the world have gathered to pay respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The public viewing began on Wednesday at St. Peter's Basilica and was so well attended that the Vatican decided to keep the doors open all night to accommodate the large turnout. Many of the attendees are expressing their admiration for the late pope, recalling his emphasis on inclusion and support for the marginalized. The experience of queuing together has fostered a sense of community among the mourners who came to honor his significant legacy. Francis's death has deeply affected his followers, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief and appreciation during the viewing. Families and individuals from various backgrounds waited in line, some for up to five hours, to glimpse the pope in his simple wooden coffin. Many reported feelings of gratitude for a leader whose pontificate spanned 12 years, marked by initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the poor and promoting a message of acceptance among diverse communities. People traveled from across Italy and around the world to attend the viewing, with some even tying their visits to other significant moments, such as a long-delayed canonization that was supposed to take place during their trip to Rome. As the line for mourning extended back down Via della Conciliazione, the collective regret for the loss of Francis was evident in the solemn expressions of attendees. A diverse group of mourners including children, teenagers, and adults demonstrated the wide-reaching impact the pope had on many lives, showcasing how he united people through shared values. The public viewing will conclude with a funeral Mass expected to draw heads of state and numerous other dignitaries on Saturday, further highlighting the global influence Francis held as a religious leader. His progressive stance, however, has not been without criticism, especially from more traditional factions within the Church. This dichotomy in public opinion underscores the complexity of his legacy, as many mourn the loss while reflecting on the different sentiments surrounding his tenure as pope.