In the Vatican on Friday, the preparation for Saturday’s funeral is culminated in Pope Francis. The open coffin with his body remains will remain in the Basilica of Sts. Petra exhibited until 19:00. – to the ceremony of its sealing at 20:00.informed AFP, writes TASR.
Italian and Vatican authorities introduced strict security measures in the area around the basilica: The complex is monitored with the help of drones, there are snipers on the roofs of the buildings, there are fighters and The no -fly zone will be announced over Rome. Police said further check -ups would be activated on Friday evening.
The Italian Civil Protection Agency estimates that during the upcoming weekend, which would probably be busy anyway due to Friday’s public holiday, “several hundred thousand” people will meet in Rome. At least 130 foreign delegations, including 50 heads of states and ten monarchs, are also expected to participate in the funeral.
After the funeral mass in front of the Basilica of Sts. Peter will transfer the coffin to his favorite temple in Rome – The Basilica of the Virgin Mary (Santa Maria Maggiore), where the Pope bury in a simple grave – in accordance with his wish. People will be able to visit the grave from Sunday morning.
Subsequently, attention is focused on the choice of František’s successor. Cardinals from all over the world are gradually coming to Rome and the Vatican, where they now meet every day to agree on the next steps. Their next meeting will start on Friday at 09:00. The Conclave date has not yet been announced. However, the choice of the new Pope must be started at least 15 days and not later than 20 days after the death of his predecessor. Only cardinals under 80 years of age can vote in the Conclave.
According to British bookmakers William Hill is Favorite Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was the second most important cardinal after František. Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, followed by Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson and Archbishop Bologna Matteo Zuppi, followed by the favorites (Papabile). Francis – The first ever Pope of Latin America – He died on Easter Monday, April 21 at the age of 88 – less than a month for 38 days of hospitalization for severe two -sided pneumonia.
