‘Won’t forget’: Europe correspondent Sophie Elsworth views late Pope Francis

Our Europe correspondent came within just 15 metres of the late Pope Francis in what she describes as a moment in history she will cherish forever. Read about her life-changing experience.

Nearly three hours queuing on a hot day at Vatican City was certainly worth it for a five-second glimpse of the late Pope Francis.

I joined the tens of thousands of mourners - many of whom have travelled from across the globe - to view the body of the deceased 88-year-old pontiff.

There was little complaining by those who stood patiently queued in St Peter’s Square and waited hours to see the late Argentinian-born church leader for the final time.

The experience of standing in the hot sun and chatting with many priests, worshippers and tourists was well worth it, as we discussed how important it was to be a part of this moment in history.

Thousands of people streaming through St Peter’s Basilica to view the body of the late Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/yd9tieYRoB

— Sophie Elsworth (@sophieelsworth) April 23, 2025

Many worshippers joined together to sing hymns as they waited in line, with the crowd slowly edging nearer to the entrance of St Peter’s Basilica.

Some even held up posters of the late pontiff, while others joined hands as they made the journey together to pay their respects.

There was much relief when we finally made it through the entrance of one of the Catholic Church’s holiest sites, inside and into the air-conditioning and out of the blazing heat to view the 266th pope lying in state.

The body of Pope Francis lies in state inside St. Peter’s. Picture: AFP

Thousands of people looked on as the body of Pope Francis was transferred to the basilica. Picture: Getty Images

Security remained tight as the crowd made the walk inside - in almost silence - up to the late pontiff to catch a glimpse of him, dressed in his red robes and wearing a white mitre on his head lying in an open wooden coffin.

About 15 metres away, he looked peaceful as he lay there on full display with rosary beads draped across his hands.

Many onlookers were desperate to get photos and videos of him in his final moments in the public eye with their arms stretched up as high as possible, all vying for a perfect photo.

I’ve joined thousands of people waiting to go inside St Peter’s Basilica to view the body of the late Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/RQytEGGZxy

— Sophie Elsworth (@sophieelsworth) April 23, 2025

The late pontiff was manned by plenty of security personnel who were giving out stern orders to the public as they pushed up to the cordoned off area to view his body.

“No selfies”, and “move on please, no stopping”, were the directions that were constantly repeated to those inside St Peter’s Basilica.

Francis’s body will remain on public viewing for three days ahead of his funeral on Saturday.

While it was literally only five seconds - for some even less - to view the pope, it’s a moment in history that I shall certainly cherish and one I won’t forget.

Originally published as ‘Won’t forget’: Europe correspondent Sophie Elsworth views late Pope Francis