Pope Francis's lying in state at St Peter's Basilica saw a great outpouring of grief, with around 250,000 mourners visiting to pay their respects. His body lay in an open coffin, drawing long queues of visitors reflecting on his contributions as the first pope from South America. Many remarked on his warmth and intention to reform the Catholic Church amid turbulent times. His papacy, marked by both support and opposition, aimed to modernize the church while retaining its core sacrality, illustrating his complex legacy.
It’s a very strong feeling (to be here), Patricio Castriota, a visitor from Argentina, told the Reuters news agency. This farewell was very sad, but I thank God that I was able to see him. He’s the only pope we’ve had who came from South America, a pope who had many good intentions for the Catholic Church.
Francis, who became pope in 2013, was the first pontiff from the Western Hemisphere and was known for charming, even humorous, demeanour. His 12-year papacy was sometimes turbulent.
He humanised the church, without desacralising it, said Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo. Ultimately, he navigated a difficult landscape and left an imprint on modern Catholicism.
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