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 evening, the deceased Pope will be laid out in the largest church of Christendom. Several tens of thousands of people are expected. The first faithful already lined up in the morning to enter the basilica. When the coffin was carried onto the square, applause erupted.

On Easter Sunday, Francis had himself driven across the square in the Popemobile after the Urbi et Orbi blessing. That was the last time the public saw him alive. The native Argentine - at 88 years old, the second oldest Pope in history - already appeared very weakened. He then died on Easter Monday morning.

Burial of Pope Francis Under Highest Security Measures

The burial will take place on Saturday. State guests from all over the world are expected, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and ÖVP Federal 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 security measures will be enormous. Rome is already in a state of emergency. The airspace over Rome will be closed for security reasons during the funeral.

The Pope from Argentina will not find his final resting place in St. Peter's Basilica, but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome's main train station. This was stipulated in his will. Only his name in Latin is to be inscribed on the tombstone: Franciscus. There should not even be a hint that he was Pope. The grave is still under construction. Access is blocked with a wooden board. During his lifetime, Francis ordered that papal burials should be less pompous than before. In St. Peter's Basilica, his body is not displayed on a catafalque, unlike the emeritus Pope Benedict XVI in January 2023. Francis lies in a simple wooden coffin. The papal bishop's staff as a symbol of authority is also no longer placed beside him. He wears a red robe and a white bishop's mitre. A rosary is wrapped around his hands.

Pilgrim Surge Expected at Funeral Ceremony for Pope Francis

The Italian government has tasked Civil Protection Chief Fabio Ciciliano with organizing the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis this coming Saturday, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. 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 funeral ceremony. Public transport is to be increased. Volunteers will assist pilgrims heading to St. Peter's Square.

The Meloni government has allocated five million euros for the grand funeral 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 funeral ceremony. The funeral ceremony for John Paul II in April 2005, which was attended by over a million people, is to serve as a model. Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri anticipates 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.

Cardinal Parolin Considered Favorite Before Conclave

After the funeral ceremonies, the focus shifts to the conclave, which is likely to begin in early May. In fact, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to elect the new pope. However, two cardinals - the emeritus Archbishop of Valencia, Antonio Cañizares (79), and the emeritus Archbishop of Sarajevo, Vinko Puljić (79) - have declined for health reasons. Thus, it is now likely that 133 churchmen will decide who will be the successor.

The voting is secret. The conclave can be over in a few hours, but it can also last for days. There is no time limit. The new pontiff requires a two-thirds majority to be elected. When elected, white smoke rises from a chimney. Until then, the smoke is black. Currently, bookmakers consider the Vatican's current number two, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as the favorite. However, several other names are also mentioned. Additionally, papal elections often bring surprises. Many did not expect the election of Francis in 2013, who then succeeded the resigned Benedict XVI.

(APA/Red)

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