Farewell to Pope Francis: Vatican extends hours for mourners
Thousands of faithful from around the world have arrived in Vatican City to pay homage to the late Pope Francis. Due to the massive influx of worshippers to the Vatican Basilica, which was initially supposed to be closed at midnight from Wednesday to Thursday, the opening hours were extended to ensure everyone waiting in line could 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 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM GMT on Friday.
- Intensive preparations are underway in the Vatican for Saturday's funeral, including daily congregations 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 around the world are coming to the Vatican to say goodbye to Pope Francis. A gigantic 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 say 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 in line could enter.
On Thursday, the Vatican Basilica is again scheduled to be open until midnight, and on Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM GMT.
What are the preparations for the funeral?
Preparations are ongoing in the Vatican for Pope Francis's funeral, which is to be held on Saturday. Daily cardinals' congregations are taking place. "The third congregation, or meeting of cardinals, will start at 8:00 AM GMT," according to RMF FM correspondents.
Wednesday's congregation included 103 cardinals who arranged the programme for the funeral masses.
Who will attend the Pope's funeral?
Approximately 200,000 faithful and 170 official delegations are expected to come to the Vatican for Pope Francis's funeral. Among them will be US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky. "According to protocol, in the first 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," report the Italian media.
Extraordinary security measures are in place in Rome.
Source: rmf24.pl
