A Sea of Mourning at the Vatican

On Thursday, the streets of the Vatican were filled with priests, pilgrims, and cardinals clad in somber black robes and striking red sashes. Tens of thousands of faithful gathered to pay tribute to Pope Francis, as preparations for his impending funeral ramped up.

Inside the Tomb: A Reflection of the Pope’s Humility

In a heartfelt tribute to his wishes, the Vatican unveiled the first image of Pope Francis' tomb. A stark, unembellished design crafted from marble sourced from Italy's Liguria region, it bears the simple inscription 'Franciscus.' This minimalist tomb echoes Francis' humility and life's dedication to service.

Cardinals Gear Up for a Historic Conclave

Though the conclave to select the next pope has yet to commence, cardinals convened for their third strategic meeting at the apostolic palace following the pope’s passing on Easter Monday. These sessions are crucial, as they not only address logistics for the mourning period but also shape the agenda for the conclave itself, allowing cardinals to map out their priorities.

Key Topics in the Air: A New Direction for the Church?

Emerging from their recent discussions, some cardinals revealed the issues they want to prioritize within the church. Conservative cardinal Mauro Piacenza emphasized the need to focus on the 'authentic faith' in their preaching. The decisions disclosed so far primarily involve plans for Francis' funeral and related commemorations, yet the urgency to set a date for the conclave looms large.

A Global Gathering: The World Awaits

The Vatican reported that less than half of the 252 cardinals have made their way to Rome, with 113 participating in meetings on Thursday. Many more are expected to arrive in time for the funeral, set for Saturday. These gatherings may soon shift into a platform for discussing wider church issues.

An Echo of the Past: History Repeats Itself?

In 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio delivered a memorable address that underscored the church's responsibility to engage with those on the 'peripheries.' This resonant speech played a crucial role in his subsequent election as Pope Francis. The coming conclave could similarly result in pivotal discussions.

Honoring a Life of Service

The Vatican announced that, aligned with Francis' commitment to aiding marginalized groups, 'poor people' will be there to honor his coffin at Santa Maria Maggiore following the funeral and before his burial.

A Global Presence: Heads of State to Attend

So far, 130 delegations, including approximately 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, have confirmed their attendance for the funeral rites. Since Wednesday, over 60,000 mourners have paid their respects to Pope Francis as he lay in state in St. Peter's Basilica, a testament to the profound impact he had on countless lives.

The church was open past 5:30 a.m. on Thursday to accommodate those eager to say goodbye, before reopening at 7 a.m. for thousands more waiting in line in St. Peter's Square.