The Vatican is making its final preparations today ahead of Pope Francis ’s funeral, as the last group of mourners pass through St Peter’s Basilica to view his open coffin.
The Pontiff will be laid to rest at 10am on Saturday April 26 in St Peter’s Square, following three days of public viewing since his death at age 88 on Monday. In line with his wishes, Francis will be buried in a simple wooden coffin, abandoning the traditional triple-casket arrangement.
More than 90,000 people have flocked to St Peter’s Basilica since Wednesday, with the Vatican keeping its doors open overnight to manage the surging crowds. Around 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected to land in Rome at some point today ahead of Saturday’s ceremony in St Peter’s Square. Security around the Vatican has been tightened, with flying restrictions, rooftop snipers, and fighter jets on standby.
Public viewing ends at 7pm Friday. The Rite of Sealing the Coffin, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will follow at 8pm and be broadcast live on TV.
