Overview

• Over 60,000 people have already paid their respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica, with the public viewing extended until Friday evening due to overwhelming demand.
• Rome braces for up to 1.5 million visitors, with 200,000 expected to attend the funeral Mass on St. Peter’s Square, while others will watch on large screens across the city.
• The funeral on Saturday will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, followed by the late Pope's burial at Santa Maria Maggiore per his request, a break from traditional Vatican crypt burials.
• The Vatican has deployed over 10,000 security personnel, including anti-drone units and sharpshooters, to ensure safety during the high-profile event attended by 170 international delegations.
• Cardinals have convened their third General Congregation to finalize conclave logistics, with speculation mounting over the eligibility of Cardinal Angelo Becciu to participate in the papal election.