The Pilgrims' Progress - Day 3 Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Some of the group this morning headed down to St Peter’s square to see if there was any chance of paying our respects to our beloved Pope Francis.

Others stayed to visit the church of San Clemente and the archaeological remains of a church dating back over the centuries beneath it. Stunning to know there had been worship on that site since the first century.

So, we are queuing outside St Peter’s to visit Pope Francis as he lies in state. Maybe 1,000 queuing as we join the queue in the side streets beside the Vatican. Rachel, John and Christopher together as we wait for Bernie and Claire. 07:40 and the queue is moving. We have just given an interview as to why we are here, and what the Pope means to us. As the reporter commented, an interesting contrast to the Pomp of the formal gathering this weekend. So, having completed our media duties we are now sat in St Peter’s Sq awaiting the placing of Pope Francis to lie in state. 

The Pope is carried through and the East Bell tolls with authority to acknowledge the occasion. A brief service, accompanied with singing follows, before we are ushered to queue to enter the Basilica. A solemn hush ascends, as we slowly edge towards the resting Pope, the sound of shuffling feet breaking the silence. Mobiles reduce in numbers as we approach the resting Pope, a final intimate minute is enjoyed with his holiness - a moment never to be forgotten. We then have a short period of prayer and reflection before leaving the Basilica in respectful service. A truly wonderful experience.

Christopher Glennon

San Clemente

San Clemente

San Clemente






We are a group of five

Queuing


In the last line for the Holy Door















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