Pope Francis' final journey: Rome braces for grand farewell
On Friday, the eve of Pope Francis' funeral, his coffin will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica. It is expected that 200,000 faithful and 130 delegations from around the world will arrive in Rome. The city is implementing extraordinary security measures.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Francis' coffin will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica from 1:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday. The number of faithful visiting the Vatican is expected to increase significantly ahead of Saturday's funeral.
- Extraordinary security measures are in place in Rome. The city is preparing for the arrival of 130 official delegations and 200,000 faithful. Additional police and military patrols are arriving from across Italy.
- Cardinals are preparing for the conclave. A general congregation took place on Thursday, with 113 cardinals discussing the future of the Church.
On Friday, the eve of Pope Francis' funeral, his coffin will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica from 1:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. By Thursday evening, around 100,000 people had paid tribute to the pope, with thousands more arriving overnight.
At 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, the closing ceremony for the coffin will take place, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is overseeing the Church during the vacancy of the Holy See. Other high-ranking clergy will also participate in the ceremony.
On Saturday at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the Holy Father's funeral will take place.
For Francis' funeral, 130 official delegations and about 200,000 faithful are expected to arrive. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are expected before midnight. American media reports indicate that former American President Joe Biden may also attend.
Extraordinary security measures in Rome
In light of this, Rome is introducing the highest level of security measures. The city will be patrolled by land, water, and air. Additional police and military units are arriving from other regions of Italy. An Italian destroyer is stationed in the port of Fiumicino, and Eurofighter jets are patrolling the skies. A drone defence system will also be operational.
Cardinals from around the world, who have gathered in Rome, are discussing the details of the Church's future. A general congregation took place on Thursday with 113 cardinals in attendance. According to unofficial reports, the conclave is expected to begin on Monday, May 5, in the afternoon.
