Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican on Thursday from 07.00 h again opened for believers and pilgrims to pay tribute to the deceased Pope Františekthat died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Informed AFP, writes TASR.
On Wednesday when The open coffin with the body was exhibited by the main altar above the grave of St. Peter, called the altar of the confessionthe memory of the deceased Pope has been estimated by approximately 20,000 people within 8.5 hours.
It is assumed that with the approaching Saturday’s funeral, the interest of people will increase. In connection with it, Italy is preparing an extensive security operation: Hundreds of thousands of grieving believers are to be joined by world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Greenland. The authorities expect up to 170 foreign delegations.
According to the interviews collected by AFP before the basilica, four hours were waiting for the entrance to the temple on Wednesday. Around a coffin with the body of the Pope wearing a red chasuble, white mitra, black shoes and between the fingers of the rosaryit is necessary to pass within a few seconds. Many people still need to take photos or videos with their smartphones.
Basilica of St. Peter will remain open to the public on Thursday until midnight. On Friday it will be accessible until 7 pm, as the coffin was sealed. On Saturday, after the funeral ceremonies in front of the Basilica of Sts. Peter, a coffin with a body in accordance with the wish of the deceased Pope They will transfer to the Pope’s favorite temple in Rome – the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of the Virgin Mary larger), where it will be buried in a simple grave marked with the inscription Franciscus (Francis in Latin).
On Saturday’s funeral mass, nine days of mourning for the Pope (Novemdiales) will begin in accordance with the tradition. This period will end on May 4, and every day will be used by another of the selected cardinals. For the time being, the Vatican has not announced the date of the Conclave on which the Cardinals will elect František’s successor. Cardinals, who are already in Rome, will meet at their next meeting on Thursday at 09:00.
