Pope Francis’ first day of the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican attracted a multitude of faithful on Wednesday (23). The large number of people led the Vatican to consider the extension of visitation hours, initially expected to end midnight at local time.
CNN correspondent in Rome, Américo Martins, shared his experience after spending more than five hours in line to pay his latest honors to the Pontiff. Martins reported that the wait was long, but provided the opportunity to talk to several faithful of different nationalities.
Extensive queues and emotion of visitors
According to the journalist, there are three entrances to St. Peter’s Square, which later merge in a single row towards the Basilica. The process is slow, with Martins taking about two hours just to step on the square.
During the wait, the correspondent talked to Brazilians from Minas Gerais and Bahia, as well as a young Argentina from Cordoba who resides in Rome. Everyone was dismayed by the Pope’s death, but also impressed by witnessing a historical moment.
Touching moment in the Basilica
Upon arriving at the Basilica of St. Peter, visitors had the privilege of passing through the Holy Door, which is usually opened only during the years of Jubilee. Martins managed to approach about two meters from Pope Francis’ body, describing him as “very calm and placid.”
The journalist reported that many people were thrilled to see the pontiff’s body in a moment of farewell and reflection. The scene in the Basilica reflected the deep impact Francis had on the lives of millions of faithful around the world.
With the possible extent of visitation hours, it is expected that even more people have the opportunity to pay their honors to Pope Francis in the coming days, in a gesture of respect and admiration for the spiritual leader.
This content was originally published in know what CNN reporter experienced in 6 hours in the Pope’s funeral line on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil

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