Vatican braces for huge crowds ahead of Pope's funeral

Vatican Preparations for Pope's Funeral A Massive Undertaking

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican is gearing up for a historic display of mourning and celebration. With thousands of dignitaries and mourners expected to attend the funeral, the Vatican has launched an unprecedented effort to ensure a smooth and respectful ceremony.

Preparations Underway

In the days leading up to the funeral, the Vatican is in full swing, making final preparations for the event. This includes setting up check-points, activating drones, and deploying snipers on rooftops to maintain tight security around St Peter's Basilica. The area surrounding the basilica has been declared a no-fly zone, with fighter jets on standby to ensure that no unauthorized aircraft enter the airspace.

Global Outpouring of Support

As news of Pope Francis' passing spread, condolences poured in from around the world. Heads of state and monarchs have begun arriving in Rome, with many more expected in the coming days. The Vatican has reported receiving over 130 foreign delegations, including Argentina's President Javier Milei and Britain's Prince William.

A Champion of the Vulnerable

Pope Francis was known for his tireless efforts to champion those on the fringes of society. Throughout his 12-year tenure as head of the Catholic Church, he used his platform to speak out against injustice and inequality. In his last speech, he urged those in attendance to not stir up contempt towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants.

A Brief but Intense Moment

As mourners pay their respects to Pope Francis, many have reported feeling a sense of intensity and connection with the deceased pontiff. One visitor, Italian Massimo Palo, described his experience as a brief but intense moment next to his body. Palo went on to say that he hopes the next papacies will be guided by Pope Francis' values and compassion.

The Funeral Procession

On Saturday, the funeral procession will begin with a ceremony at St Peter's Basilica. The pope's coffin will then be driven through the streets of Rome to the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where it will be buried in a simple tomb marked with just one word Franciscus. The public will be able to visit the tomb from Sunday morning.

The Conclave

After the funeral, all eyes will turn to the process of choosing Pope Francis' successor. Cardinals from around the world have been returning to Rome for the funeral and the conclave, which is expected to begin within 15 days of the pope's passing. In the absence of a pope, the cardinals have been meeting daily to agree on the next steps.

The Future of the Catholic Church

As the Vatican looks to the future, many are wondering what changes lie ahead for the Catholic Church. With Pope Francis' legacy as a champion of the vulnerable and marginalized, it is likely that his successor will continue to prioritize these issues.

Key Statistics

Over 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs are expected to attend the funeral.
At least 130 foreign delegations have confirmed attendance.
The Vatican has set up over 100 check-points around St Peter's Basilica.
Fighter jets will be on standby to maintain air security.
The coffin will be closed at 800 pm (1800 GMT) in a ceremony attended by senior cardinals.

Conclusion

The funeral of Pope Francis is a momentous occasion that will bring together leaders from around the world. As the Vatican prepares for this event, it is clear that the legacy of the deceased pontiff will continue to shape the Catholic Church for years to come. With his tireless efforts to champion those on the fringes of society, Pope Francis leaves behind a lasting impact on the world.

References

Agence France-Presse
Vatican News Agency
Italian Massimo Palo (quoted in AFP)

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