Malcolm Brabant:
The bells of St. Peter’s tolled mournfully as Pope Francis’ coffin was carried on the latest stage of his journey to eternity, from the guesthouse where he died to a temporary resting place beneath the dome of the Basilica.
Pope Francis may have been a very modern, reforming pontiff, but the traditions that determined this procession were timeless and would have been recognizable to the faithful from centuries past. For the time being, the cardinals in their scarlet robes cast aside the politicking and horse-trading that precede the election of Francis’ successor.
In this most solemn of ceremonies, their duty was to honor the man who dedicated his life to being a mouthpiece for the poor and downtrodden. Francis will lie in state for three days and nights until his funeral on Saturday, and until then the faithful will shuffle to his casket for their moment in time and an unforgettable capsule of personal history.
I’m just outside St. Peter’s Square, in amongst the crowds, who are waiting very patiently to get a very brief glimpse of Pope Francis as he lies in his coffin inside this very grand Basilica behind me. Many of them have been waiting for hours and will continue to do so until they can get inside just to spend a few seconds besides the coffin of Pope Francis to say farewell.
Among those seeking the shade in broiling temperatures was American mining lawyer Rob Milbourne, who says he’s on a spiritual journey. Milbourne flew to Rome specifically to pay tribute to the late pontiff.
