VATICAN CITY — So many mourners lined up to see Pope Francis lying in state in a simple wooden coffin inside St. Peter’s Basilica that the Vatican kept the doors open all night due to higher-than-expected turnout, closing the basilica for just an hour and a half Thursday morning for cleaning.

The Vatican said more than 90,000 people had paid their respects by Thursday evening, a day and a half after opening.{ai:summary}Pope Francis lay in state in a wooden coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica, attracting a large number of mourners. The Vatican kept the doors open overnight due to the unexpected turnout, only closing briefly for cleaning. #society

St. Peter’s Basilica stays open overnight as thousands pay final respects to Pope Francis

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