The tributes brought by the faithful to Pope Francis ended
The tributes brought by the believers to the open coffin in which Pope Francis in Saint Peter in Rome is deposited were completed around 7 pm. (17:00 GMT), AFP reports.
Since Wednesday morning, about 250,000 people were able to pass the coffin in which the Pontiff, a coffin to be sealed at 8:00 pm. (18: 00 GMT) in a private ceremony, before the funeral that will take place on Saturday.
During the sealing ceremony of the coffin, a white silk canvas will be placed on the face of the Pontiff. Francis, who died on Monday, 88, will remain overnight in Saint Peter’s Basilica and then will be removed in the market with the same name in front of the basilica for Saturday morning funerals, in which many political and religious leaders will participate.
Among the political leaders who announced their presence on Saturday’s funerals are US President Donald Trump and the first Mrs. Melania, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, the President of the European Commission Ursula von Der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Ináio Lula da Silva and the Secretary General of the UN António Getterres.
Also, at the Pope’s funerals you will assist the heir to the throne of Great Britain Prince William and the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, who represents the country of origin of the Pontiff. In total, more than 150 international delegations are expected at funerals.
