Pope Francis: Over 70,000 Faithful Mourn His Passing – Conclave Date to Be Announced

Despite the heavy rain hitting Rome in recent hours, thousands of faithful have gathered at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pay their respects to Pope Francis’s tomb. So far, it is estimated that over 70,000 pilgrims have visited Vatican City to bid farewell to the beloved leader known as the ‘Poor People’s Pope.’ The influx of mourners continues unabated today. Earlier today (April 28, 2025), a meeting of cardinals began to set the date for the upcoming conclave. The doors of the Sistine Chapel are expected to close for the first round of voting by May 5th, according to both predictions and regulations. From today onward, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will remain closed as the space undergoes meticulous checks to ensure no unauthorized devices are present during the proceedings.