Pope Francis, body on display at St Peter’s from today. 250,000 people expected for funeral

Five days of national mourning. Saturday 26th the solemn ceremony with leaders from around the world. Trump and Zelensky among those present, but Putin absent

From today, Wednesday 23 April, until Friday 25, the body of Pope Francis will be on display in St. Peter’s Basilica to allow the faithful to pay their respects. The coffin was moved this morning from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta and access to the basilica will be possible from 11am to midnight. On Thursday 24th the hours will be extended from 7am to midnight, while on Friday 25th the doors will be open from 7am to 7pm.

Saturday 26th April the funeral: extraordinary mobilisation in the capital

The funeral will take place on Saturday 26th April at St. Peter’s. Between 200,000 and 250,000 people are expected, according to the head of Civil Protection Fabio Ciciliano. The security arrangements include the use of the It Alert system and the presence of giant screens along Via della Conciliazione, Piazza Pia and Piazza Risorgimento, with the possibility of extension.

National mourning: flags at half-mast and events suspended

The government has proclaimed five days of national mourning starting on Tuesday 22 April. Flags in public buildings are at half-mast, authorities are refraining from public events that are not strictly institutional, and football matches on Saturday are suspended. The 25 April celebrations remain scheduled, but are to be held in a sober form.

Ceremony in Parliament: today’s commemoration in Montecitorio

In the afternoon, at 4pm, the House and Senate will meet in joint session to commemorate Pope Francis. Presidents Ignazio La Russa and Lorenzo Fontana will speak and, for the government, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Each parliamentary group will take the floor.

International presences: Trump and Zelensky in Rome, Putin absent

The solemn ceremony will be attended by over 100 delegations from all over the world. US President Donald Trump will be in Rome as early as Friday together with his wife Melania. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected, while the Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin will not be present.

Reactions: condolences from Taiwan, silence from Beijing and Jerusalem

Taiwan quickly announced the sending of an official delegation, while China waited more than 24 hours before expressing a message of condolence, maintaining a sober tone. More noticeable was the silence of the Israeli authorities: after President Herzog’s message, neither Netanyahu nor Sa’ar made official statements.

Burial at Santa Maria Maggiore

The body of Jorge Mario Bergoglio will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most important churches in Rome and particularly linked to his pontificate.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)