Mourners have one more day to see the Pope lying in state – before his funeral tomorrow.
Tens of thousands of people have already filed past the pontiff’s open casket in St Peter’s Basilica – following his death on Monday at the age of 88.
People from all around the world have travelled to the Vatican to say goodbye to the late pontiff, and among them are many people from Ireland.
Parish Priest Administrator in the parishes of Ardfinnan & Newcastle/ Fourmilewater Fr Michael Toomey is in Rome.
“Huge crowds – bigger than even on Wednesday – filed past the coffin of the late Holy Father Pope Francis in the Vatican with many still passing by late into the night.
“An estimated 100,000 people have already filed past the coffin.
“Today is the final day when people may pay their respects to the Holy Father as he lies in state. This evening at 7 o’clock Irish time Irish born Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside at the right of the sealing of the coffin for the late Holy Father which marks the end of the public viewing.”
A special Mass is being held for Pope Francis in Thurles today and locals can also sign Books of Condolence at locations across the premier county.
There will be a Solemn Mass for the repose of the late pontiff in the Cathedral of the Assumption at 11 o’clock.
A Book of Condolence is also available to sign at the Cathedral until midday on Saturday.
Further Books of Condolence will be available from 9-30 at each of Tipperary County Council’s District Offices.
They will be open for a week and you can also sign online at tipperarycoco.ie.
