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3d ago

Vatican Tightens Protocols as Crowds Mourn Pope Francis Ahead of Funeral

Pope Francis’s simplified funeral rites and burial plans reflect his legacy of humility, while smartphone bans address decorum concerns during public viewing.

Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with the Catholic Union of Teachers, Managers, Educators, Trainers (UCIIM) - the Italian Association of Catholic Teachers (AIMC) - the Association of Parents of Catholic Schools (AGESC), at Paul-VI hall in the Vatican on January 4, 2025.
King Charles III, pictured on Easter Sunday, is not expected to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday keeping in line with longtime royal procedure and protocol.
People queue to pay respects as the body of Pope Francis lies in state inside St. Peter's Basilica in The Vatican, on April 23, 2025.

Overview

  • Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at 88, is lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica with public viewing extended due to massive crowds.
  • Reports of mourners taking selfies with the late pope’s open casket have led to criticism, prompting Italian authorities to ban smartphone use inside the basilica.
  • The late pope’s funeral will take place Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square, with over 130 world leaders, including Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelensky, expected to attend.
  • Francis’s burial at Santa Maria Maggiore breaks with tradition, as he requested a simple tomb outside the Vatican, emphasizing his reformist vision.
  • The Vatican has prepared for heightened security and logistical challenges, with hundreds of thousands expected to gather in Rome for the funeral and related ceremonies.