Massive crowds gather to pray at Pope Francis’ tomb – Conclave date to be announced today

Since early this Sunday morning, the public pilgrimage to the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has begun.

The priests of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore ask pilgrims to pray briefly and exit due to overcrowding.

A short while ago, the priests of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore asked the faithful entering the basilica to offer a brief prayer in front of Pope Francis’ tomb and then exit the church.

This request was made due to the overwhelming crowd, safety concerns, and because the dimensions and capacity of Santa Maria Maggiore cannot, in any way, be compared to those of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tens of thousands of faithful continue to wait in line, and the waiting time for entry now exceeds two hours.

The Vatican had initially decided that the basilica would open on Monday, but access for the faithful was ultimately allowed starting early Sunday morning.

Hundreds of young people, families, Italians, and foreign pilgrims are waiting, with a flower in hand, to enter the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and honour, in their own way, the memory and legacy of the Late Pope Francis.

Over the next nine days, prayers for the repose of the late pontiff’s soul will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica, while today, the date for the start of the conclave is expected to be announced.

Source: orthodoxtimes.com