Italy Rome in a state of emergency before the Pope's funeral
One day before the funeral service for the late Pope Francis, Rome is preparing for the major event. The huge crowds of faithful and visitors expected by the authorities for the requiem in St. Peter's Square on Saturday poses major challenges for the organizers and security forces in the Italian capital. The authorities are expecting around 200,000 people to attend the funeral service around St. Peter's Square.
25.04.2025, 05:33
SDA
Security around the Vatican has been tightened for days and a no-fly zone is in place. Special forces from the Italian military are securing St. Peter's Square with drone defense equipment. Numerous police officers are posted there and patrol the large crowds. Access to St. Peter's Square is strictly monitored.
In particular, the arrival of the many heads of state and government, such as US President Donald Trump, ensures an unprecedented deployment of police, military and other security authorities. According to the Vatican, 130 delegations from all over the world have so far registered for the funeral service. Among those attending from Germany are Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
Large screens, mobile toilets and paramedics
The preparations for the funeral service and subsequent burial follow strict, traditional rules. On Friday evening, the open coffin of the dead Pope, which has been set up in St. Peter's Basilica since Wednesday, will first be closed. On Saturday morning, it is then taken to the forecourt of the cathedral. The public funeral mass will then take place there.
Large monitors have already been set up on the Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican so that people far away can also watch the funeral service. Mobile toilets, ambulances with numerous paramedics scattered throughout the area and civil defense vehicles are at the ready.
What makes the planning even more difficult is that after the funeral service in St. Peter's Square, Francis' body will be driven through the city center to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome's Termini train station, where the burial will take place. The authorities are expecting tens of thousands of people to line the six-kilometer route.
New details revealed about the Pope's tomb
Meanwhile, the Vatican announced further details about the design of the Pope's tomb in St. Mary's Church. Francis had already stipulated in his will that the tomb should be simple. The Holy See published an image montage of the tomb: the slab is made of white marble and, in accordance with the Pope's wishes, bears the inscription "Franciscus" in capital letters. Above it is a replica of his silver-colored pectoral cross (pectorale).
However, on the day before the funeral service, the faithful and visitors can bid farewell to the open coffin of the dead Pope one last time. St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7.00 am and closes at 7.00 pm. More than 90,000 people have paid their last respects to Francis since he was laid out on Wednesday morning.
Consultations about the upcoming conclave
Meanwhile, the cardinals already gathered in Rome are discussing preparations for the conclave to elect a successor to Francis. They have been meeting daily since Tuesday for the so-called General Congregation. The Vatican has not yet announced any official details. However, as more and more churchmen are arriving in Rome these days, it can be assumed that preliminary agreements are already being made with regard to a conclave.
However, the meetings will be suspended on the day of the funeral service and on Sunday. After that, preparations for the conclave are likely to become more concrete. It is expected that it could be early May before the cardinal electors retire to the Sistine Chapel.
