St. Peter’s Basilica remained open throughout the night so that the faithful could pay their respects to Pope Francis’s body.
Due to the large number of pilgrims, the Vatican decided to keep the gates of St. Peter’s open overnight.
Thousands of the faithful waited patiently, despite the humidity and drop in overnight temperatures, to venerate the body of the late pontiff.
Thousands more – clergy, nuns, Italian and foreign pilgrims, families with young children – are still waiting in line. The public viewing will end tomorrow at 7 p.m. As for the presence of official representatives at Pope Francis’ funeral, which will take place Saturday morning, Russia has announced that it will be represented by its Minister of Culture, Olga Lyubimova.
Preparations are currently being made for the seating of religious and political leaders in the outdoor area of St. Peter’s Square for the funeral service. According to current reports, American President Donald Trump is expected to be seated at a significant distance from the position assigned to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
