Italy has declared five days of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis and is tightening security measures ahead of his funeral, to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Flags are flying at half-mast on government buildings across the country, as tributes pour in from around the globe for the late pontiff, the first Latin American Pope, known for his humility and progressive stance on social issues. He passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican confirmed.
On Wednesday morning, Pope Francis’ body will be transported in a solemn procession from the Chapel of Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The procession, led by cardinals, will pass through Piazza Santa Marta, Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani, and the Arch of the Bells, before entering the basilica, where the faithful will be able to pay their last respects through to Friday.
The Vatican has released images of the Pope lying in an open wooden casket. Thousands are expected to visit over the coming days.
File photo of Pope Francis greeting the crowd during his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square of the Vatican City, 18 September 2013. Photo: EPA/Claudio Peri
Heads of state, royalty, and religious leaders from around the world are expected to attend the funeral. Among them U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Rome is under heightened security, with police presence increased across key locations, including Vatican City, airports, and major transport hubs. Security officials are coordinating closely with international agencies to manage the influx of dignitaries and pilgrims.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, just outside the Vatican, as per his final wishes. “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus,” he stated in his will.
“Today we join Catholic Christians around the world in their grief for the loss of the religious leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis will be remembered as a moral leader who believed in peace, solidarity and friendship,” said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
