A clear morning in the Vatican marks the farewell to Pope Francis. While yesterday afternoon saw rain accompany the Holy Father’s final hours at the lying-in-state, today, Rome greets the sun timidly, with temperatures around 59°F. A mild temparature ideal for the farewell to the highest representative of the Catholic Church, a man who lived in constant pursuit of peace.
Yesterday, around 7:00 PM, St. Peter’s Basilica entered a solemn moment as the Pope’s coffin was sealed. During the ceremony, a white silk veil was placed over Pope Francis’s face, holy water was sprinkled over his body, and a pouch containing the coins minted during his papacy was placed with him. Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the temporary head of the Vatican, presided over the sealing of the Pope’s casket, marking the end of the public viewing, which had been open to the faithful for three days.
Today at 10:00 AM Rome time, the funeral procession will begin its 6-kilometer route through the streets of Rome. The solemn procession will allow the faithful to say their final goodbyes before the Pope is laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with his final wishes.
Massive security presence
According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, Rome has been preparing for an extensive security operation, welcoming 170 international delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, who began arriving late yesterday. The front rows are reserved for heads of state, with priority given to Italian and Argentine delegations. The royal families will also be seated in these rows, with the King and Queen of Spain among those present.
They will sit near King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Prince Albert and Princess Charlène of Monaco, and the co-prince of Andorra, Joan Enric Vives. Also in attendance will be the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, John T. Dunlap. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will be absent as the country celebrates “King’s Day.” Non-Catholic royals will be seated in the following rows.
Diplomatic coordination at work
Behind this logistical marvel is a delicate diplomatic task aimed at avoiding conflicts. Seating arrangements will follow alphabetical order. Delegations will be seated on the right side of St. Peter’s Square, while cardinals will be on the left. This plan mirrors the one designed for Pope John Paul II’s funeral.
For former U.S. President Donald Trump, a “green zone” has been established in the Villa Borghese neighborhood, where traffic will be restricted, and public demonstrations or transportation of hazardous goods will be prohibited. The Vatican confirmed that Trump will sit next to delegations from the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
In the wake of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s controversial absence, it has been confirmed that Spain will be represented by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Economy Yolanda Díaz, and Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Cortes Félix Bolaños.
Historic farewell
Thousands of faithful have passed through the lying-in-state in the last three days to pay their respects to Pope Francis. The Vatican reported yesterday that over 180,000 people had visited by 6:00 PM, just as the line was closed. Italian authorities estimate that around 200,000 people will attend the funeral today before the Pope’s casket is transported in a procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.
The National Public Alert System (IT-alert) sent notifications to mobile phones across Rome yesterday, warning of traffic disruptions and providing information on the funeral’s schedule and route. The message was available in four languages: Italian, English, French, and Spanish.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, with the Vatican confirming the news through the Holy See’s social media. Days before, the Pope had been recovering from a severe 38-day battle with bronchitis that developed into bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged from the hospital on March 23. Shortly afterwards, he attended Palm Sunday Mass on April 13, and his final public appearance was on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, where he imparted a special blessing and wished the faithful a joyful Easter.
Over a billion Catholics around the world mourn his passing and bid farewell to the Pope of the people, the man who stood with the marginalized. He championed the role of women in the Church, condemned abuse, and led essential reforms that will remain part of his legacy.
Today, we say goodbye to Jorge Mario Bergoglio after 12 years of a papacy that modernized the foundations of the Catholic Church in the search for truth, peace, and a future in step with the times.