Thousands queue to see Pope Francis lying in state as visiting hours extended
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‘Momentous’: Mourners describe experience of viewing Pope’s body
- Tens of thousands of people have queued to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who is lying in state at the Vatican.
- Viewing hours at St. Peter's Basilica were extended overnight to accommodate the large crowds.
- Mourners from around the world have queued for hours to see the open casket, with primary school teacher Marguerite O’Leary, from County Clare in Ireland, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
- Patrick Gavigan, based in Kildare, said it was “momentous” to be inside the basilica to witness the Pope’s remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.
- The funeral will take place on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, with numerous dignitaries attending, including the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.