In addition to the faithful, the celebration was attended by about 150 international delegations, including monarchs, heads of state and government
More than 150,000 people watched on Sunday (18) at the beginning of the pontificate of the São Pedro Square and its surroundings, according to the Vatican. “There are now about 150,000 believers present in the square and in the surrounding areas,” said the Holy See, shortly after indicating that the authorities estimated that about 100,000 people were present at the beginning of the conference in St. Peter’s Square. In addition to the faithful, the celebration was attended by about 150 international delegations, including monarchs, heads of state and government, including the king and queen of Spain, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky; and the vice president of the United States, Jd Vance.
Preventing a large crowd, Italy police implemented extensive security measures around the Vatican, with air surveillance using drones, controls at all entries, and the presence of more than 5,000 police officers and 2,000 civil protection volunteers. The official number of participants is far below the more than 200,000 people expected by the authorities, a number similar to what has attended Pope Francis funeral for just a few weeks ago. A larger participation was expected in part because the celebration coincided with the Holy Year proclaimed Francisco, who is attracting millions of pilgrims to Rome throughout 2025.
*With information from EFE
Posted by Luisa Cardoso
