00:00This morning at St. Peter's Basilica, the faithful lining up to say goodbye.
00:06At the center, facing the pews, the coffin carrying Pope Francis,
00:11the late pontiff requesting it not be elevated
00:14so he could be on the same level with the people he served.
00:17I think the Pope made an impact on the world,
00:20and I think his message of peace and tolerance is one that we could all subscribe to.
00:27The long goodbye started early this morning.
00:33American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, known as the Carmelengo,
00:36presiding over a moment of prayer inside the chapel of the Santa Marta papal residence.
00:42Cardinals filling the rows, some praying for the late Pope as they prepare to choose his successor.
00:49Then the procession to the Vatican.
00:53Crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.
00:55The public will get three days to pay their respects to Pope Francis.
00:59So many waiting for that chance.
01:02How long are you guys going to wait?
01:03Until I have to.
01:04When long's it takes.
01:05Yeah?
01:05We're believers. We're believers.
01:07The funeral and mass will take place Saturday morning
01:10and will be attended by heads of state from around the world,
01:14including President Trump and President Zelensky.
01:17Prince William will also be there representing the British royal family.
01:20And the Vatican now releasing new details about the Pope's final hours.
01:25Among his last words, thank you for bringing me back to the square.
01:30A heartfelt gratitude to his personal health care assistant for encouraging him to take one last ride in the Popemobile on Easter Sunday.
01:38After that last appearance, he rested, had a quiet dinner, but awoke not feeling well before falling into a coma.
01:46The Vatican saying that according to those who were with the Pope, in his final moments, he did not suffer.
01:53And Tom, what is the sentiment and feeling among the people who have come and they want to pay their respects to this Pope?
01:59You know, Savannah, I've had a chance to speak with dozens of people who have been waiting in line.
02:05And the thing that really struck me is the impact that Pope Francis had in their lives.
02:09These people, as we look at the crowds here in St. Peter's Square, will be waiting hours and hours.
02:15They're unclear how long they have to wait just to get a few seconds with Pope Francis.
02:19That speaks to his impact.
02:20And what you get is that regardless of your relationship with God,
02:23the people here believe there is something bigger than this life here.
02:26And that's what they want to talk to Pope Francis about.
02:29They're also very curious, Savannah.
02:30A lot of people here that I spoke to right after they said they're going to pray for Pope Francis,
02:35they also asked me that they want to know what's going to happen next,
02:37what's going to happen in the conclave, and who will be the next leader of the Catholic Church.
02:41Savannah?
02:42All right, Tom, thank you very much.
02:44Hey, thanks for watching.
02:45And don't forget, you can catch The Today Show every morning on NBC or take Today when you're on the go.
02:51Just follow the Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
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