LIVE VIDEO Pope Francis, still thousands of faithful at St Peter’s. Last day of Ostension

St Peter’s Basilica also open at night. More than 128,000 people have already paid their respects. Rome armoured for the arrival of world leaders, even Trump expected

Even overnight, thousands of faithful lined up to pay their respects to Pope Francis in St Peter’s Basilica, which was exceptionally reopened as early as 5:40 this morning after being closed overnight at 2:30. According to the Vatican Press Office, from Wednesday 23 April at 11:00 until 8:00 today, more than 128,000 people paid their respects to the Pontiff.

Access to the Basilica will be possible until 7pm today, Friday 25 April. At 8pm the coffin will be closed in view of the solemn funeral scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 26 April, in St Peter’s Square.

In the meantime, Rome is preparing for the event with extraordinary security measures. 182 international delegations will be present, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns. Among the most eagerly awaited guests is US President Donald Trump, expected late in the evening. The American leader will spend the night at Villa Taverna, the residence of the US ambassador.

In order to ensure security, restrictions have been imposed on several Roman streets, including Viale delle Belle Arti, Via Salaria, Piazza Ungheria and others. In addition, from midnight on 25 April until 23:59 on 26 April, all kinds of non-religious public demonstrations and the transport of dangerous goods will be prohibited in the so-called “Green Zone”.

A wide security cone will also be created around the areas involved in the transfer of the body.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)