Pope Francis Lying in State in St. Peter's Basilica Until Friday

During the transfer, the coffin containing the remains of Pope Francis was accompanied by numerous cardinals, Swiss Guards, and the tolling of the death bell of St. Peter's Basilica, transported from the papal residence Santa Marta to the basilica.

Faithful Can Bid Farewell to Pope Francis at the Coffin

Until Friday, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 from a stroke, will be laid out in St. Peter's Basilica. The burial will then take place on Saturday. State guests from around the world are expected, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and ÖVP Chancellor Christian Stocker. Among the expected monarchs in Rome are Felipe of Spain and Prince William from the United Kingdom. US President Donald Trump also plans to attend the funeral. According to "Corriere della Sera," Elon Musk, Trump's advisor, will also attend the ceremony. The airspace over Rome will be closed for security reasons during the funeral.

Pope Francis will not find his final resting place on Saturday in St. Peter's Basilica - the most important church of Christianity - but in the significantly smaller Church of Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome's main train station. This was his express wish. The death of Pope Francis set in motion a process according to centuries-old traditions. It culminates in the convening of a conclave of cardinals to elect a successor. According to Vatican rules, the conclave must begin between the 15th and 20th day after the pope's death, that is, between May 5 and 10.

Surge of Pilgrims Expected at Mourning Ceremony for Pope Francis

The Italian government tasked Civil Protection Chief Fabio Ciciliano with organizing the mourning ceremony for Pope Francis next Saturday, to which hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected. Along the Via della Conciliazione, the large axis leading to St. Peter's Square, on Piazza Pia and Piazza Risorgimento, large screens will be set up for pilgrims to follow the mourning ceremony. Public transport is to be strengthened. Volunteers are to assist pilgrims heading to St. Peter's Square.

The Meloni government pledged five million euros for the grand mourning ceremony for Pope Francis. The Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, stated that it is not yet possible to estimate how many people will travel to Rome for the pope's mourning ceremony. The mourning ceremony for John Paul II in April 2005, attended by over a million people, is to serve as a model. Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expects challenging weeks. "The coming days with the funeral of Pope Francis and the conclave will be an important and demanding challenge for the city of Rome. We expect many people and logistical challenges, but I do not believe there will be problems. These are things we will manage," said the Social Democrat Gualtieri.

(APA/Red)

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