NewsFarewell to Pope Francis: Rome transforms into a fortress

Farewell to Pope Francis: Rome transforms into a fortress

Not only the Vatican, but also Rome, has been transformed into a heavily guarded fortress. Security is being managed by police officers, the military, and special service agents. The streets are being patrolled, the sky over the city is under surveillance, and a naval destroyer remains on standby in the port of Fiumicino.

"St. Peter's Square super armoured". All services ready
"St. Peter's Square super armoured". All services ready
Images source: © PAP | GIUSEPPE LAMI
Sara Bounaoui

The entire world is bidding farewell to Pope Francis as funeral ceremonies take place. Follow our LIVE coverage 

Thousands of the faithful gathered on Saturday morning in St. Peter's Square, where the funeral mass for Francis began at 11:00 AM Greenwich Time. Delegations from all over the world are also paying their respects to the Pope. Due to the ceremonies, all services in the Vatican and Rome are on the highest alert.

Not only are the streets and the sky over the city being patrolled, but a naval destroyer in the port of Fiumicino is also on standby. Anti-drone systems and military jets have been placed on high alert.

Snipers have been positioned in selected buildings, and patrols with dogs have intensified. A fire alert has also been declared for firefighters trained to respond to nuclear, bacteriological, chemical, and radiological threats.

  • Not only the Vatican but also Rome has turned into a heavily guarded fortress.
  • Security measures in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' funeral epa12052136 A handout photo made available by the Italian Carabinieri shows control and security measures by the Carabinieri ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, in Rome, Italy, 24 April 2025. Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, and his funeral will take place on 26 April in the plaza in front of the basilica. EPA/ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Provider: PAP/EPA. ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT pope, religion, catholic, belief, funeral, security
  • Security measures in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' funeral epa12052138 A handout photo made available by the Italian Carabinieri shows control and security measures by the Carabinieri ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, in Rome, Italy, 24 April 2025. Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, and his funeral will take place on 26 April in the plaza in front of the basilica. EPA/ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Dostawca: PAP/EPA. ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT pope, religion, catholic, belief, funeral, security
  • Security measures in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' funeral epa12052341 Italian Carabinieri officers (R) stand guard as members of the Italian Armed Forces patrol with a CPM Watson drone jammer as part of security preparations ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, in Rome, Italy, 24 April 2025. Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, and his funeral will take place on 26 April in the plaza in front of Saint Peter's Basilica. EPA/GIUSEPPE LAMI Dostawca: PAP/EPA. GIUSEPPE LAMI weapons, anti-drone, soldiers, security, Pope Francis, funeral
  • Not only the Vatican, but also Rome has turned into a highly guarded area.
  • Security measures in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' funeral epa12052135 A handout photo made available by the Italian Carabinieri shows control and security measures by the Carabinieri ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, in Rome, Italy, 24 April 2025. Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, and his funeral will take place on 26 April in the plaza in front of the basilica. EPA/ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Dostawca: PAP/EPA. ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT pope, religion, catholic, belief, funeral, security
  • Security measures in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' funeral epa12052137 A handout photo made available by the Italian Carabinieri shows control and security measures by the Carabinieri ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, in Rome, Italy, 24 April 2025. Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, and his funeral will take place on 26 April in the plaza in front of the basilica. EPA/ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Supplier: PAP/EPA. ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT pope, religion, catholic, belief, funeral, security
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[1/8] Not only the Vatican but also Rome has turned into a heavily guarded fortress.Images source: © Licensor | ITALIAN CARABINIERI HANDOUT

"The area of St. Peter's Square will be heavily fortified," comments the Italian news portal ilsole24ore.com.

Pope Francis's decision to be buried outside the Vatican has resulted in heightened security measures during his funeral, extending to the areas around Santa Maria Maggiore.

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