Tonight a moment for the faithful to bid farewell, the sea of people in St. Peter's Square,

lining up for the chance to pay their final respects, our Tom Yamis inside St. Peter's Basilica,

where Pope Francis is now lying in state. Markets bounce higher as President Trump dials back

the tough talk on the trade war and talks up a possible deal with China.

My exclusive interview with the president of Harvard, his first since his school sued the Trump

administration and took the lead in the resistance to the White House efforts to reshape

America's universities.

What's a risk is the excellence of higher education in the United States?

The New Jersey wildfire that forced thousands to evacuate neighbors rescuing animals from the

flames and firefighters battling to get the blaze under control. The missing Princeton student

where police are searching and what they think may have

happened to the undergraduate not seen since Saturday evening. The real ID deadline now just two

weeks away, how the TSA is preparing and what you'll have to do at the airport if you don't have

one. And will she or won't she what Simone Biles is now saying about competing in the

2028 Los Angeles Games. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening and welcome.

The world is truly witnessing a moment at the Vatican tonight, a coming together over Pope Francis.

This evening scenes like this outside St. Peter's Basilica where the faithful, the curious, and simple admirers have brave long lines and sometimes long journeys to see him and to say goodbye.

It began earlier with a solemn procession from Casa Santa Marta, which Francis

called home. Then his arrival at St. Peter's Basilica, met by spontaneous applause. And now tonight,

the late Pope lying in state before he is laid to rest on Saturday. Pilgrims from around the world

making their way to Rome to pay their respects.

So many had seen with a story or life-changing moment to share all ahead of Saturday's funeral.

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