2025-05-02
26 分钟This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
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Hello from the Eternal City.
My name is Colm Flynn and I'm standing here in the heart of Rome, close to the Colosseum,
a place, as you know, that attracts tourists from all over the world.
But today...
This city is filled with pilgrims.
And I'm standing in front of this incredible 4th century basilica,
the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major.
This is the place where Pope Francis was laid to rest.
In front of me I can see lines of people queuing to go into the basilica to pay their final respects to the late Holy Father.
Some of them are holding roses in their hand.
I can see flags being waved from nations all over the world, some praying quietly up at the gates.
Well, as you know, the pontiff, he passed away on Monday, April the 21st.
He was 88 years of age.
His pontificate had lasted just a little bit over 12 years.
He was celebrated by some.
He was condemned by others.