Friday, the Vatican finished funeral preparations for Pope Francis. Mourners finished viewing his open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Over 128,000 people paid respects. Senior cardinals would close the coffin at 8:00 PM (1800 GMT). Many leaders will arrive in Rome Friday. This includes U.S. President Trump and Ukraine’s Zelensky. They will attend Saturday’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square.
Italian and Vatican authorities tightened security around St. Peter’s. Measures included drone bans and snipers. Fighter jets were on standby. Police said more checkpoints opened Friday evening.
Large crowds gathered on Via della Conciliazione. This avenue leads to the Vatican. It was the final day of the pope’s lying-in-state. “We must get inside,” said Ian Delmonte, 35, from the Philippines. Michelle Alcaide, 35, also from the Philippines, agreed. “We love the pope. We feel blessed to see him one last time.”
The Vatican kept the Basilica open late again. It only closed briefly. This was between 2:30 AM and 5:40 AM Friday. “Night is very intimate. The Lord often appears at night,” said Nicoletta Tomassetti, 60. She visited early Friday. “It was very emotional. I prayed and asked for things. I know he will grant them.”
Pope Francis died Monday at 88. He had been hospitalized with pneumonia. “It was like saying goodbye to a father,” said Filipa Castronovo, 76, an Italian nun. “He loved me, and his love will last.”
Global Tributes and Security
The Argentine pope had health issues. He made a final public appearance at Easter. This is key in the Catholic calendar. Global leaders sent condolences. They noted his 12 years leading 1.4 billion Catholics. He championed the marginalized. His final speech fought against contempt for the vulnerable.
“The number of people is amazing,” said French Cardinal Bustillo. He called Francis “a man of the people.” “This shows great affection for his work.”
Over 130 foreign delegations will attend. These include Argentina’s President Milei and Britain’s Prince William. A no-fly zone is in place. Israeli PM Netanyahu sent condolences late. Some link this to strained ties with the Vatican. Francis often criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Funeral and Conclave Plans
The pope’s body is in a simple wooden coffin. He wears papal robes. The Vatican banned photos inside the Basilica. This sped up the lines. Some mourners took selfies. Many saw this as disrespectful. Italian authorities expect many in Rome. This weekend was already busy due to a holiday.
After the funeral, they will slowly move the coffin. It will go to Santa Maria Maggiore for burial. The procession will go through ancient Rome. Large screens will show the ceremony. Interior Minister Piantedosi confirmed this. A group of the people with low-income will greet the coffin. This reflects the pope’s care for them.
Pope Francis will be buried. His tombstone will simply say “Franciscus.” The public can visit from Sunday. Attention will then turn to choosing his successor.
Cardinals have come to Rome for the funeral and conclave. They meet daily to plan. A meeting was held Friday morning. The conclave must start soon. It will elect the new pope. Only cardinals under 80 can vote. Bookmakers favor Cardinal Parolin. Others favored are Tagle, Turkson, and Zuppi.
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