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(Vatican City, Italy) — Thousands are paying their final respects to Pope Francis today, as his body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Rachel McKay was among the mourners who waited in line for hours yesterday, but she says it was worth it. So many people turned out Wednesday that the Vatican kept the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica open for most of the night. The public viewing will end Friday evening, when Francis’ coffin will be closed, in accordance with church law. Saturday’s funeral is expected to draw more than a quarter of a million people.
Newark Cardinal Joseph Tobin’s name keeps popping up as a serious candidate to be the next leader of the Catholic church. He is the oldest of 13 children who grew up in Detroit. His brother, Jim, says their parents would be very proud of the Cardinal. He says the Archbishop is “extremely humble” and wants to serve people. Pope Francis made Tobin a Cardinal in 2016.
