Thousands flock to Vatican for Pope Francis's final farewell
Thousands of faithful from all over the world have arrived in Vatican City to pay homage to the late Pope Francis. Due to the massive influx of worshippers to the Vatican basilica, which was supposed to close at midnight from Wednesday to Thursday, the opening hours were extended so that everyone waiting in line could enter.
What do you need to know?
- The coffin with Pope Francis's body is on display at St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful can pay their respects until midnight on Thursday and from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday.
- Intensive preparations are underway in the Vatican for Saturday's funeral, including daily congregations of cardinals.
- Approximately 200,000 people and 170 official delegations, including the Presidents of the USA and Ukraine, are expected to attend.
What does Pope Francis's farewell look like?
Faithful from all over the world are coming to the Vatican to say goodbye to Pope Francis. A gigantic queue is forming at St. Peter's Square, in front of the Vatican basilica.
- You have to keep moving; you can't stop, so the time inside was short, but later you can pray peacefully while seated - reported one of the Polish attendees in an interview with rmf24.pl.
On Wednesday evening, there were so many people wanting to say farewell to the Pope that although the basilica was supposed to close at midnight, it was decided to extend its opening hours so everyone waiting in line could enter.
On Thursday, the Vatican basilica is again scheduled to be open until midnight, and on Friday from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
What are the preparations for the funeral?
Preparations are ongoing in the Vatican for Pope Francis's funeral, which is to be held on Saturday. Daily cardinals' congregations are taking place. "The third congregation, or meeting of cardinals, will start at 3:00 AM Eastern Time," according to RMF FM correspondents.
Wednesday's congregation included 103 cardinals who arranged the program for the funeral masses.
Who will attend the Pope's funeral?
Approximately 200,000 faithful and 170 official delegations are expected to come to the Vatican for Pope Francis's funeral. Among them will be the U.S. President and Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky. "According to protocol, in the first row during the funeral mass at St. Peter's Square, will be the Presidents of Italy: Sergio Mattarella, and the Pope's homeland, Argentina: Javier Milei," report the Italian media.
Extraordinary security measures are in place in Rome.
Source: rmf24.pl
