Approval in Petersdom: Believers say goodbye to the Pope
Two days After the death of Pope Francis From today, believers can personally say goodbye to the head of the Catholic Church. The Pontifex is brought to St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning and laid out in the open coffin for three days. By Friday, people have the opportunity to see Francis in the most important basilica of the Vatican. Then the coffin is closed.
The funeral service on St. Peter’s Square is on Saturday. Many top international politicians such as US President Donald Trump, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the managing Chancellor Olaf Scholz have announced their arrival. Afterwards, the burial of the Pope in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is pending outside of the Vatican.
These cardinals are considered favorites for Francis successor
Tens of thousands in Petersdom awaited – listing without a pomp
Before that, tens of thousands of people want to have the last honor in St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Monday at the age of 88. For this purpose, the coffin is brought to St. Peter’s Cathedral by the chapel in the Santa Marta residence in the Santa Marta residence in a small procession. Then there is a service – the doors open at 11:00 a.m. for the believers.
The native of Argentine becomes – unlike the emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. in January 2023 – not on a catafalc, i.e. a high bahre, but in a simple wooden coffin. In addition to the coffin, the papal bishop’s rod will be as a symbol of rule.
« It hurts very much » – Luxembourg mourns the loss of Pope Francis
So far, only a few people – including spa members, cardinals and on Tuesday evening Italy President Sergio Mattarella – have been able to say goodbye to Franziskus in the Santa Marta guest house.
What does US President Trump do around the funeral service?
It is eagerly awaited whether the funeral service on Saturday is also used by state guests for global political meetings. Encounters on such occasions are called « funeral diplomacy ».
For Donald Trump, it is the first trip abroad after the election. Most recently, with his customs projects, he ensured turmoil worldwide. He also wants to reach an end to the war in Ukraine with his government and tries to convey between Russia and the attacked country. In Rome he will be at the same time as Selenskyj. The US President will only come to Rome for one day, announced Karoline Leavitt, the spokeswoman for the White House. She said nothing about other program items in Italy.
Grand Ducal couple mourns the loss of Pope Francis
Even without Putin: Rome before state of emergency
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin already announced that he would not travel to the Vatican. There has been an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court since 2023. When landing in Italy, Putin would have to expect the arrest. Putin is sought because of the deportation of Ukrainian children. The background is the invasion of the neighboring country he ordered.
The city of Rome and Italy’s regulatory and security authorities are faced with a logistical mammoth task in view of the expected rush of believers and the many state guests. Because of the Holy Year 2025, Rome is still fuller than usual in Easter week. According to estimates, around a million tourists are in the Italian capital.
Conclave with two cardinals less than planned
After the funerals, the conclave focuses on, which should begin in early May. Actually, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are entitled to choose the new Pope. However, two cardinals – the emeritus archbishop of Valencia, Antonio Cañizares (79), and the emeritus archbishop of Sarajevo, Vinko Puljić (79) – already canceled for health reasons.
The electoral courses are secret. The conclave can be over after a few hours, but also take days. There is no time limit. To choose from, the new Pontifex needs a two -thirds majority. When he is chosen, white smoke rises from a chimney. Until then, the smoke is black.
