Death of Francis: Rome before Pope’s funeral in the state of emergency

One day before the funeral service for the late Pope Francis, Rome is preparing for the major event. The huge crowd of believers and visitors to requiem on St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, the organizers and security forces in the Italian capital, expects great challenges. The authorities expect around 200,000 people at the funeral service around St. Peter’s Square.

The safety precautions around the Vatican have been increased for days, and there is also a flight ban zone. Special forces of the Italian military ensure St. Peter’s Square with a device for drone defense. Numerous police officers are posted there and patrol through the large crowds. Access to St. Peter’s Square is strictly monitored.

In particular, the arrival of the many heads of state and government, such as US President Donald Trump, ensures a one-off use of the police, military and other security authorities. According to the Vatican, 130 delegations from all over the world have announced themselves for the funeral service. Among other things, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the executive Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) take part in Germany.

Large screens, mobile toilets and paramedics

The preparations for the funeral service and subsequent burial itself follow the traditional, strict rules. On Friday evening, the open coffin of the dead Pope, which has been set up in St. Peter’s Basilica since Wednesday. On Saturday morning it will be brought to the forecourt of the cathedral. The public funeral fair then takes place there.

Large monitors have already been built on the Vatikan leading via della Conciliazione so that people can also watch the funeral service far from. Mobile toilets, ambulances, including numerous paramedics and civil protection vehicles, are available.

What makes the planning more difficult that the body of Francis after the funeral service on St. Peter’s Square is once driven across the city center to the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore near the Roman main station, where the burial takes place. The authorities expect tens of thousands of people on the edge of the six -kilometer route.

New details about Pope grave revealed

The Vatican, however, announced further details on the design of the Pope grave in the Marienkirche. Francis already had in his will that the grave should be simple. The Holy Chair published a picture mounting of the grave: the plate consists of white marble and, according to the Pope’s request, it bears the inscription “Franciscus” in capital letters. A replica of its silver -colored pectoral (pectoral) is attached to this.

On the day before the funeral service, believers and visitors can say goodbye to the open coffin of the dead Pope one last time. St. Peter’s Basis opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. More than 90,000 people have had the last honor since the elimination on Wednesday morning.

Consultations about upcoming conclave

However, the cardinals already gathered in Rome are advised on the preparations for the conclave on the choice of Francis successor. They have met for the so -called Congregation of General since Tuesday. The Vatican has not yet announced official details. However, since more and more churchmen are arriving in Rome these days, it can be assumed that preliminary agreements are already taking place with regard to a conclave.

However, the meetings will be suspended on the day of the funeral service and on Sunday. After that, the preparations for the conclave should become more specific. It is expected that it could be at the beginning of May until the cardinals entitled to vote retire to the Sistine chapel.