Overview

• The open coffin of Pope Francis, viewed by over 120,000 people since Wednesday, will be closed tonight after the final public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Rome anticipates 200,000 attendees at Saturday’s funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, followed by a historic six-kilometer procession to Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.
• More than 150 international delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs, will attend, with extensive live global media coverage planned.
• Italian authorities have implemented strict security, deploying over 10,000 personnel, anti-drone systems, and a no-fly zone around the Vatican.
• This marks the start of the sede vacante period, with the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor expected in 15-20 days.