Thousands pay final respects as Pope Francis lies in state

Tens of thousands have filed past the simple wooden casket of Pope Francis, paying their final respects to a leader who asked to be remembered not as a powerful man, but as a humble shepherd and disciple.

(NBC)- Tens of thousands have filed past the simple wooden casket of Pope Francis, paying their final respects to a leader who asked to be remembered not as a powerful man, but as a humble shepherd and disciple. Among the mourners was Pope Francis’s own family—kneeling and visibly emotional during their visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Outside, crowds continued to grow, with lines stretching past preparations for Saturday’s funeral. Workers have begun constructing a stage and altar on the basilica steps, with large video screens set up to accommodate the massive turnout expected to spill into St. Peter’s Square.

“This is a special liturgy, specifically for the death of a pope,” said Vatican expert Philip Pulella. “Towards the end, there’s what’s known as the commendation and the final farewell, with a series of prayers over the coffin.”

In keeping with his wish for simplicity and humility, Pope Francis chose to be buried outside Vatican City, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. He will be the first pope laid to rest there since the 17th century.

“I think it’s not just a historical decision,” said visitor Lilla Ban from Hungary. “It speaks to his humility and his devotion to the Holy Mother.”

Francis will be buried in a quiet nook beside his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. In his final testament, he requested: “The tomb should be in the ground, simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription—Franciscus.”