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Priests and nuns stood shoulder to shoulder with lay people in respectful silence
View(s):- Sri Lankans among the crowd gathered at the Vatican for the final farewell to Pope Francis
By Dina Mendis reporting from St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican for The Sunday Times
World leaders were among those who gathered at the Vatican for the final farewell to Pope Francis who passed away last Monday at the age of 88. Sri Lanka was represented at the funeral by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy Sathya Rodrigo
Saturday was also declared a national day of mourning by the Government as a mark of respect to Pope Francis with flags flying at half-mast.
By 8 a.m., thousands had already gathered in St. Peter’s Square with many Sri Lankans among those present. The Sunday Times spoke to three Sri Lankans working in Rome, who were waiting to pay their respects to the Holy Father.
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- Tens of thousands of mourners arriving at St. Peter’s Square to pay their last respects to Pope Francis. Top right: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath attending the funeral of the pontiff.
Dinusha Weerasuriya, originally from Matale, said: “For many, a visit to the Vatican had already been planned. The reason for the visit changed, but this is a once-in-a-generation experience. I want to be part of this historical moment.”
Sanjay Karunathilaka, also from Matale, added: “The authorities are well-equipped to handle crowds of this size. From the moment we stepped out of the metro, we were guided to the square in an orderly fashion.”
Ravi Chinthaka from Colombo shared: “We are all Buddhist, but that doesn’t matter. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pay our respects to such a humble and hard-working spiritual leader.”
Despite the large crowds, the atmosphere in the square was calm and dignified. The area was immaculate, with no litter or signs of disorder. Attendees waited patiently, and small acts of kindness such as warning others about a protruding barricade reflected a quiet solidarity among strangers. There was no preferential treatment; priests and nuns stood shoulder to shoulder with lay people in respectful silence. Paramedics were stationed near most entrances and exits, while volunteers handed out bottles of water to those queuing from April 23 onwards to help them cope with the spring heat.
Security, including metal detectors and scanners, was located near the twin fountains. Large tour groups entered from the left side, while the right was reserved for individual visitors. After clearing security, the crowds proceeded along barricaded pathways through the square, where chairs had already been arranged for the funeral
At the basilica entrance, two lines formed, one with a ramp for people with limited mobility, the elderly, and families with young children, and another with stairs for the general public. Just before entering, a touring church group began singing prayers, adding a layer of solemnity to the already quiet atmosphere.
Inside, volunteers managed the flow of visitors, checking that attire was appropriate and requesting that caps, hats, and lanyards be removed. Though the space was filled with people, a reverent silence prevailed. Approximately ten feet before the casket, security instructed visitors to put away their phones and wear any cameras across their bodies, discouraging photographing the late Pope’s remains.
The Papal Swiss Guard, in ceremonial uniforms of blue, red, and yellow, stood vigil around the casket. Visitors were granted only a brief moment to pay their respects before moving on. Many were visibly moved, some silently weeping.
After viewing the casket, visitors were directed along a single route out of the basilica and into the city to avoid congestion.
The Sunday Times also spoke to two nuns, one from Peru and the other from Poland, both living in Vatican City. They requested anonymity due to the rules of their religious Orders.
“He was a father to all, especially the poor and the needy. His voice reached those who were often marginalised,” one said.
The other added, “We all felt he led by example. His messages were not just for Catholics, they were about humanity, climate, poverty, and care. I think his words will last beyond his papacy.”
Lucia, a mother of two from northern Italy said, “We travelled here with our children to say goodbye. He was the best Pope. He traded grandeur for simple gestures, chose to wash the feet of prisoners and refugees, and never stopped calling for peace in a fractured world. We’re deeply saddened, but also grateful for his life and the work he accomplished.”
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Fabrazzio, a local tour guide, said that Rome is usually very safe but an extra level of security was extremely important given the number of high profile dignitaries attending the funeral.ReplyForwardAdd reaction
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