Farewell to Pope Francis draws global throngs to Vatican
Thousands of faithful from around the world have arrived in Vatican City to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis. Due to the massive influx of worshippers to the Vatican Basilica, which was originally supposed to be closed from Wednesday to Thursday at midnight, opening hours have been extended so that everyone waiting can enter.
What do you need to know?
- The coffin with Pope Francis's body is on display at St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful can pay their respects until midnight on Thursday and from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday.
- Intensive preparations are underway in the Vatican for Saturday's funeral, including daily meetings of cardinals.
- Approximately 200,000 people and 170 official delegations, including the Presidents of the USA and Ukraine, are expected to attend.
What does Pope Francis's farewell look like?
Faithful from all over the world are arriving at the Vatican to say their final goodbye to Pope Francis. A massive queue is forming at St. Peter's Square, in front of the Vatican Basilica.
- You have to keep moving; you can't stop, so the time inside was short, but later you can pray peacefully while seated - reported one of the Polish attendees in an interview with rmf24.pl.
On Wednesday evening, there were so many people wanting to bid farewell to the Pope that, although the basilica was supposed to close at midnight, it was decided to extend its opening hours so everyone waiting could enter.
On Thursday, the Vatican Basilica is again scheduled to remain open until midnight, and on Friday from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
What are the preparations for the funeral?
Preparations are ongoing in Vatican City for Pope Francis's funeral, which is to be held on Saturday. Daily meetings of cardinals are taking place. "The third meeting of cardinals will start at 3:00 AM Eastern Time," according to RMF FM correspondents.
Wednesday's meeting included 103 cardinals who finalized the program for the funeral masses.
Who will attend the Pope's funeral?
Approximately 200,000 faithful and 170 official delegations are expected to gather in Vatican City for Pope Francis's funeral. Among them will be US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky. "According to protocol, in the front row during the funeral mass at St. Peter's Square, will be the Presidents of Italy: Sergio Mattarella, and the Pope's homeland, Argentina, Javier Milei," reported the Italian media.
Enhanced security measures are in place in Rome.
Source: rmf24.pl
