Tens of thousands file into St. Peter's Basilica to pay final respects to Pope Francis

As cardinals prepare conclave, thousands flock to pay respects to late Pope Francis

Turnout among the faithful to say their goodbyes to the late pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome has been much higher than expected, with an estimated 50 000 visitors paying their respects in the first twelve hours of the public viewing.

Tens of Thousands Line Up to Honor Pope Francis

More than 60,000 people have paid their respects to the late pope’s body in St. Peter’s Basilica since Wednesday, according to the Vatican. The church stayed open until 5:30 a.m. on Thursday and reopened at 7 a.m. as thousands more lined up to file past his coffin.

Pope Francis' Final Viewing Turns Chaotic: 'Disrespectful' Mourners Clash Over Selfie With Late Pontiff

What was meant to be a somber and respectful farewell to Pope Francis turned into a chaotic scene as mourners clashed and chaos unfolded at his final public viewing. While millions gathered to pay their respects, certain individuals sparked outrage by raising selfie sticks amidst the sacred atmosphere. The disrespectful actions were met with backlash from both the faithful and the internet. WATCH

Pope Francis latest: Outrage over mourners taking selfies with casket

Watch live as tens of thousands of mourners view Pope Francis's open casket at St Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis: thousands more pay respects on second day of lying in state

More than 60,000 people have viewed body of late pontiff since Wednesday morning, says VaticanThousands of mourners lined up for hours on a second day to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis’s body, after St Peter’s Basilica stayed open all night to cope with the huge crowds who had come to pay their final respects.The 16th-century basilica, where Francis’s simple wooden coffin is placed on the main altar, was scheduled to close at midnight on Wednes…

Pope lying in state draws tens of thousands to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican

So many mourners lined up to pay their respects to Pope Francis that the Vatican kept St. Peter's Basilica open all night to accommodate them.