Over 90K mourn Pope Francis on second day

Tens of thousands of mourners filled St. Peter’s Basilica and surrounding areas Thursday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, as Italian and Vatican authorities ramped up security ahead of Saturday’s funeral.

About 90,000 people have passed by the late pope’s red-lined wooden coffin since it was laid in state, according to the Vatican. Demand was so high that visiting hours were extended overnight Wednesday, and officials indicated they could do the same Thursday night.

On Thursday, the line of mourners stretched well beyond the entrances to St. Peter’s Square. Despite the long wait and occasional rain, spirits were high among the faithful.

"It's true that it feels oppressive but at the same time you all feel united, everyone happy," said Laure Du Moulin of France, who came with her family. "Everyone seems enthusiastic, fraternal, like a big community."

Florencia Soria and Ana Sofia Alicata, both 26 and fellow Argentinians of the pope, said they hoped the rain would help shorten their wait. "We're here and we hope it will go as well as possible, with people leaving because of the rain," said Soria.

Francis died Monday at age 88, less than a month after being discharged from a hospital stay for double pneumonia. The Vatican said he suffered a stroke before his death at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.

The pope’s coffin lies before the altar in St. Peter’s, with Francis dressed in red vestments and a white mitre, holding a rosary. Authorities banned smartphones inside the basilica to maintain a solemn atmosphere.

"It was a brief but intense moment next to his body," said Italian mourner Massimo Palo, 63. "He was a pope amongst his flock, amongst his people, and I hope the next papacies will be a bit like his."

Among Thursday’s visitors were Italian football coach Claudio Ranieri and players from his AS Roma squad.

The coffin will be sealed in a ceremony Friday evening led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo overseeing Vatican affairs until a new pope is elected.

Massive security operation

World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentina's President Javier Milei, and Britain's Prince William, are expected to attend the funeral, alongside 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs, according to the Vatican. At least 130 foreign delegations have confirmed attendance.

Security preparations in Rome are extensive. Italian authorities have placed fighter jets on standby, deployed drone-jamming technology, and stationed snipers on rooftops. Additional checkpoints will go up Friday night, police said. Civil protection officials anticipate “several hundred thousand” attendees.

After the funeral, Francis’s remains will be brought to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, his favorite church, where he will be welcomed by a group of “poor and needy.” His simple tomb will be marked with just the name Franciscus, and the public may visit starting Sunday.

Conclave looms

The conclave to elect Francis’s successor must begin between 15 and 20 days after his death. No date has been announced, with the Vatican insisting the focus remains on funeral preparations.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 — currently about 135 — are eligible to vote. Cardinals have begun arriving in Rome for preliminary discussions.

British bookmakers currently list Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the favorite to succeed Francis, followed by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila.

The traditional nine-day mourning period, or novemdiales, will begin Saturday and conclude on 4 May.

Despite health setbacks, including doctors' orders to rest for two months, Francis remained active in his duties until Easter Sunday.