Huge queue as 20,000 people wait 8 hours to see Pope Francis's body

Huge crowds flock to Vatican for Pope Francis’s funeral

Tens of thousands of mourners flooded into St Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis, the champion of the poor and the Catholic Church’s first Latin American leader.Some people waited overnight to be first in the queue for the ceremony, which will be attended by world leaders. The Argentinian pontiff, who died on Monday aged 88, sought to steer the centuries-old church into a more inclusive direction during his 12-year papacy. Some 250,0…

In his own words: Pope Francis’s most enduring quotes

Quotes from Pope Francis demonstrate the late pontiff’s views on everything from compassion to the environment. Pope Francis died on Monday, 21 April, and his funeral takes place on Saturday. Here are some of the pope’s views, in his own words. Pope Francis’s words on mercy and inclusion For many, Pope Francis was a compassionate moral leader. Throughout the years, Francis was often quoted encouraging inclusivity and kindness. ‘A bit of mercy ma…

Even in death, Pope Francis’s push for dialogue, multilateralism continue

ROME – One of Pope Francis’s most consistent geopolitical priorities throughout his 12-year reign was peacemaking, most notably through his constant push for building bridges, keeping channels of dialogue open and strengthening multilateralism. The world’s first non-Western pope made it a personal mission to carry forward a “diplomacy of dialogue” in various contexts and situations, from engagement with China to the war in Ukraine and conflict i…

Thousands queue to pay tribute to Pope Francis on first day of lying-in-state

Thousands queue to pay tribute to Pope Francis on first day of lying-in-state Around 20,000 people have paid tribute to Pope Francis in less than 12 hours since his body went on public view in St Peter’s Basilica.

Thousands queue to pay respects to Pope Francis

Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News.

Tens of thousands queue to see Pope Francis's body

St Peter's Basilica had extended its opening hours to accommodate large crowds gathered outside.