French President Emmanuel Macron was among the last to bow before Pope Francis’ coffin, capping three days of mourning from around the world.

The number of people who came to pay their respects to the late 88-year-old Argentine Pope far exceeded the 195,000 who came to bid farewell to the late Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.

A sea of ​​people lined up in St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects to Pope Francis. Photo: COURTESY

“Pope Francis is great! He loves everyone, all religions” – Mr. Igho Felici (53 years old, Italian nationality) emotionally shared with ABS-CBN News after seeing Pope Francis for the last time on April 25.

“We love the Pope, we feel lucky to see him one last time,” added Michelle Alcaide, 35, also from the Philippines, as she lined up.

Many visitors cried when they visited Pope Francis. Photo: AP

All day long, crowds have crowded the wide Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter’s Basilica. Pilgrims, tourists and Italians on holiday have mingled in an endless stream, all in a single act of devotion.

Pope Francis’ body was laid out in a simple wooden coffin. He wore a red vestment, a white hat, black shoes and a rosary around his finger.

The coffin-closing ceremony was performed privately on the evening of April 25 (local time).

In keeping with Catholic tradition, a white silk cloth covered his face and a small bag containing coins and medals minted during his 12 years as pope was placed inside the coffin.

Ceremony before closing the coffin lid of the late Pope Francis on the evening of April 25. Photo: Vatican News

Photo: Vatican News

Photo: Vatican News

The Vatican said security had been tightened to the maximum. The area around St. Peter’s Basilica was sealed off, drones were banned, snipers were stationed on the roof, and fighter jets were on standby.

Police set up new checkpoints on the night of April 25.

Security was tightened to protect those attending Pope Francis’ funeral. Photo: GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

The Vatican has also banned photography inside St. Peter’s Basilica to maintain solemnity. The decision was made after many people took pictures with the coffin, raising concerns about order and respect.

St. Peter’s Square will reopen at 5:30 a.m. on April 26 (local time) to begin welcoming the estimated 200,000 people expected to attend the official funeral of Pope Francis. 

President Donald Trump was among 50 heads of state attending the funeral of the late Pope Francis. The US leader arrived in Rome, Italy late on April 25, on his first foreign trip since being elected to a second term as US President.

More than 130 other foreign delegations have also confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral, including Argentine President Javier Milei, British Prince William …

Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a simple tomb, engraved with only the words “Franciscus”, Pope Francis’ Latin name.

People will be able to visit the tomb of the late Pope Francis from Sunday morning, April 27.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump briefly answered the media in Washington on April 25, before leaving the White House for Rome, Italy to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock