20,000 Attend Pope Francis's Wake in Rome

Patrick and Alice Gavigan, an Irish couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, attended Pope Francis's wake in Rome, finding special significance as they first met at a papal event in 1979. The couple, among some 20,000 mourners on the first day of the lying-in-state at St Peter’s Basilica, described the nearly four-hour wait as 'well worth it.' They had planned their trip to coincide with their anniversary, not knowing it would overlap with the Pope's passing, making the experience both poignant and surreal. The Gavigans reflected on seeing Pope Francis alive during his 2018 visit to Ireland and now paying their respects after his death. This moment was described as a once-in-a-lifetime and momentous experience for them. Their story highlights the personal and communal impact of the Pope's death, drawing thousands to the Vatican to honor his legacy.