250,000 Mourners Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Over Three Days at St. Peter’s Basilica

VATICAN CITY, 26 April 2025 – The Vatican announced that approximately 250,000 people from around the world visited St. Peter’s Basilica between Wednesday and Friday (23–25 April) to pay their respects to Pope Francis, as public viewing of his body concluded on Friday evening ahead of Saturday’s funeral.

On Friday alone, more than 100,000 mourners filed past the open coffin, many pausing in prayer or silent reflection. The Vatican ended its nearly continuous live broadcast shortly after 7 p.m. (11:30 p.m. IST), just before a private ceremony to seal the casket.

The massive turnout included world leaders who came to pay their respects, reflecting the profound global mourning and admiration for the late pontiff and the enduring impact of his papacy on the Church and the world.

Courtesy: Vatican News