Pope Francis Lies in State: Vatican Extends St. Peter's Basilica Hours to Accommodate Mourners
In a rare gesture, the Vatican has decided to keep St. Peter's Basilica open all night to allow the faithful to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who has been lying in state since his passing. The basilica, bathed in a somber silence, has been filled with mourners from around the world, all eager to catch a glimpse of the late pontiff. As the crowd makes its way up the main aisle, a sense of reverence and sadness fills the air. With the Vatican expecting a strong turnout, the extended hours will provide an opportunity for more people to bid farewell to Pope Francis, using digital platforms and social media to share their condolences and memories of the beloved leader, with many using keywords like #PopeFrancis and #Vatican to express their grief and pay tribute to his legacy, including his impact on Catholic news and the global Catholic community.
