The Vatican has opened its doors to tens of thousands of mourners paying their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 89. His body was transferred from his residence to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state until the evening of April 25. The funeral is scheduled for April 26.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, crowds began forming outside the basilica early in the morning, hours before it officially opened. Wait times reportedly reached up to four hours. By the end of the first day, an estimated 50,000 people had visited the Pope's casket, with total attendance expected to double by the conclusion of the public farewell.

Security across Vatican City has been significantly heightened. A no-fly zone has been imposed, anti-drone systems are active, and transport hubs are under intensified surveillance to ensure the safety of the large crowds and high-profile attendees.

Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, died following a stroke that resulted in a coma and cardiac arrest. In keeping with his wishes, he will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where a memorial prayer was already held, led by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The funeral is expected to draw global leaders, royalty, and religious representatives from around the world. Russia will be represented by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of external church relations for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill expressed deep respect for Pope Francis, praising his steadfast principles and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He emphasized the late pontiff’s refusal to be used as a tool in ecclesiastical conflicts.

A period of national mourning has been declared in Argentina, the Pope’s homeland, in honor of his passing.