Pope Francis funeral live: World leaders arriving to pay respects at historic Vatican ceremony

Following the “novemdiales”, a papal conclave will start to elect a brand new pope. Cardinals will be capable of begin this course of from 5 Could.

Whereas 135 cardinals of voting age are in a position to participate within the conclave, two are unable to make it to Rome for well being causes.

The remaining 133 cardinals will collect contained in the Sistine Chapel – house of all of the Papal Conclaves since 1858, the place they may whittle down candidates by means of successive rounds of voting.

This course of can take between days and weeks.

The conclave is secretive. The cardinals are forbidden from communicating with the outside world, and the gathering begins and ends with ritual words in Latin: “Extra omnes” or “Everyone out”, expelling all but voting cardinals.

Italian authorities have activated one of many largest safety operations in Rome’s latest historical past forward of Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.

Alongside 4,000 cops, counter-drone items and fighter jets implementing a strict no-fly zone over the capital, the Vatican’s personal Swiss Guard, usually a ceremonial drive, has additionally been introduced in to assist safe Vatican Metropolis and St Peter’s Sq., the place tens of hundreds are anticipated to assemble. The guards, well-known for his or her medieval-style uniforms, have undergone safety coaching as a part of the preparations.

The prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, stated the “safety machine is prepared” however would stay versatile to make sure a “sense of serenity” through the occasion.

Along with the safety measures, a particular taskforce of 400 sanitation staff and 150 autos has been deployed to take care of public cleanliness within the sq., whereas pharmacy opening hours throughout Rome have been prolonged to spice up out there medical providers.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and his spouse, Olena Zelenska, have simply arrived in Rome to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on the Vatican, Ukrainian media reported citing a authorities spokesperson.

There was some uncertainty round Mr Zelensky’s presence on the funeral after Kyiv was hit by huge Russian air strikes earlier this week.

Archbishops and bishops will begin gathering within the Constantine Wing, a hall adjoining to St Peter’s Basilica at 8.30am native time (7.30am BST).

On the identical time, Catholic clergymen will begin congregating in St Peter’s Sq..

Patriarchs from the Orthodox church and cardinals will congregate in Saint Sebastian Chapel from 9am, contained in the basilica, the place the stays of Pope John Paul II lie.

Whereas most popes are interred on Vatican grounds, Pope Francis has damaged from custom along with his request to be buried exterior the holy metropolis.

As an alternative, he might be buried at St Mary Main in Rome. He’s the primary pope in 120 years to decide on a burial floor exterior the Vatican.

Hours earlier than daybreak, crowds of mourners have already stuffed the streets round St Peter’s Sq., hoping to catch a glimpse of the late pontiff as his physique passes by on the way in which to the Basilica of St Mary Main — his last burial place.

Some photographs present individuals lining the roads resulting in the Basilica of St Mary Main, the place the late pontiff might be laid to relaxation.

One other {photograph} reveals crowds bundled in jackets and blankets, with some individuals sitting or sleeping on the pavement, as they maintain their place in line in a single day.

The funeral might be held in St Peter’s Sq. in Rome at 10am native time.

Each the BBC and Sky Information will provide particular protection of the pope’s funeral ceremony.

A BBC News particular will start at 8.30am, scheduled to proceed till 12.30pm. In the meantime, Sky Information will start their protection at 7am till 1pm.

ITV has stated it’ll have a stay stream on its on-line platform ITVX through the day.

The Vatican will even broadcast the funeral stay on its YouTube channel. They stated they might provide protection in 15 totally different languages.