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 lined up early in the morning to enter the basilica. When the coffin was carried onto the square, applause erupted. Due to strict security measures, the faithful must be prepared for hours of waiting. Since early morning, the subway stations near the Vatican were overcrowded. People prayed the rosary and sang while waiting for access to the basilica. People quietly strolled past the body of the Pope. Many appeared moved, with tears running down the faces of some.

Parents carried their children in their arms so they could catch a glimpse of the deceased. Many faithful tried to kneel before the dead to pray or meditate but were urged to move on by security forces. 2,000 police officers ensured security in and around the Vatican. On Easter Sunday, Francis had himself driven over 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 early on Easter Monday.

Burial of Pope Francis Under Highest Security Measures

The deceased Pope will remain laid out in St. Peter's Basilica for three days so that as many faithful as possible can bid farewell. Next Friday at 8:00 PM, Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the rite of closing the coffin of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. The mourning ceremony is planned for Saturday in St. Peter's Square. 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 Church of Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome's main train station. This was stipulated in his will. The burial will be attended by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Vatican announced. Only his name in Latin will be on the tombstone: Franciscus. There will not even be a hint that he was Pope. Work is still being done on the grave. Access is blocked with a wooden board. During his lifetime, Francis ordered that papal burials should be less pompous in the future than they have been. In St. Peter's Basilica, his body is now also not displayed on a catafalque, unlike, for example, 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 next Saturday, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Large screens will be set up along the Via della Conciliazione, the main axis leading to St. Peter's Square, as well as on Piazza Pia and Piazza Risorgimento, where pilgrims can follow the funeral ceremony. Public transport is to be intensified. Volunteers will assist pilgrims who wish to reach 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 will shift 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 he is 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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