Rome prepares to say goodbye to Pope Francis as his farewell event approaches.

Crowds have gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican following the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing on Monday, transforming the city-state into a vibrant hub of activity. Thousands of visitors have come to pay their respects, some viewing the pope’s body, which has been lying in state since Wednesday, while others take the opportunity to capture selfies in front of the majestic Tuscan colonnades that define the iconic plaza.

Security at the Vatican has been meticulously orchestrated. Teams of ambulance personnel, mounted police officers, members of the Swiss Guard—Vatican City’s own armed forces—and Italian special forces have lined the plaza, equipped with advanced anti-drone technology to ensure a secure environment for the mourning public.

Many of those present come from diverse international backgrounds, including visitors from Morocco, Kenya, and the United States, illustrating the global impact of Pope Francis’s teachings and leadership. Some individuals traveled specifically to Rome upon hearing the news, while others, residing in or visiting the city, have opted to extend their stays in order to participate in the upcoming funeral rites.

Francisco Horfa, a 33-year-old theology student from East Timor, shared his heartfelt experience. Having traveled to Rome for his deacon ordination on May 7, he proudly adorned the plaza with the flag of his home nation. He expressed the emotional gravity of this period, remarking on how the pope’s visit to East Timor in September left a lasting impression on the nation. During that visit, an estimated half of the country’s 1.3 million population attended his mass in Dili, where the pope celebrated the spirit of reconciliation with Indonesia, a significant theme following the nation’s independence in 2002.

Among those paying tribute was Annalia Alia, a 69-year-old from the Philippines. Having witnessed Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to her country, she described seeing his body lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica as a profound and emotional experience, feeling as though her journey had come full circle. Alia had traveled to Rome for the Jubilee, a sacred time when pilgrims seek spiritual rejuvenation through the opening of the Holy Doors at the city’s major papal basilicas.

With her daughters by her side, Alia expressed gratitude for being in Rome at this significant moment, though the experience felt overwhelming, prompting her to seek rest at her hotel.

Another pilgrim, Ernest Damasco, aged 55 and also from the Philippines, reflected on the void left by the pope’s passing. He had arrived in Rome with hopes of seeing the pope wave from the balcony above St. Peter’s Square but now felt as though he had lost a father figure and inspirational leader. Damasco noted that Pope Francis brought a fresh and relatable approach to his papacy that resonated deeply with Catholics around the globe, highlighting the legacy of compassion and humility that defined his tenure.

As the world honors the late Pope Francis, the atmosphere remains one of reflection, unity, and reverence, demonstrating the profound impact he made across different cultures and communities.

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