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The world is bidding farewell to Pope Francis: hundreds of pilgrims and 200 state guests are expected to attend the grand papal funeral in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Saturday. Billions of people worldwide can follow the historic event live on television. The Italian capital is in an emergency, with the highest security precautions in place. More than 1,000 police officers will be on duty to ensure the safety of the 170 delegations in Rome.
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) will lead the Austrian delegation. Several Austrian bishops, including Salzburg Archbishop Franz Lackner, Chairman of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, will also be at the celebrations.
After the St. Peter’s Square mass, the coffin will be taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There, at his own request, Francis will then be buried in a niche in the left aisle of the church in the center of Rome, close to the Marian icon “Salus populi Romani” (salvation of the Roman people), which he venerated.
- source: APA/picture: screenshot – vatican news
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