Thousands of mourners have poured into St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis. The crowd is expected to swell further on Saturday for his funeral, with world leaders and dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Security is tight, with Vatican police and military personnel deployed throughout the city-state. Bags are being checked, and access to key areas is restricted.
Over 250,000 people have already visited the basilica since it opened for viewing on Wednesday. Some waited in line for over three hours to pay their respects.
The guest list for the funeral is impressive, with leaders from around the world expected to attend, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yagi Takeshi.
Final Rites
On Friday night, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, led a private ceremony to seal Pope Francis’s coffin. Cardinals from Venezuela and Brazil, as well as the Pope’s close aides, were in attendance.
The ritual included short prayers, hymns, and a period of silence to honor the late Pope’s memory. The coffin was then closed, marking the final step before Saturday’s funeral.
