Tens of thousands of mourners are expected to arrive in Vatican City over the next three days to pay their final respects to the Pope, who passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that left a profound impact on the global Catholic community.
The funeral ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 9 AM UK time, and will be attended by world leaders, religious figures, and countless faithful from around the world. The Vatican has announced a period of "novendiali", a traditional nine-day mourning period, during which special prayers and masses will be held in memory of the late pontiff.
Following the novendiali, the Church will enter one of its most solemn and secretive processes — the conclave. This closed-door assembly of cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, a decision that will shape the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church.
Security in Vatican City has been significantly heightened in anticipation of the large crowds and global attention, with officials urging visitors to plan ahead due to expected delays and extensive security checks.
The upcoming days are expected to be both historic and emotionally charged, as the Catholic Church prepares to bid farewell to a spiritual leader while looking ahead to a new chapter in its leadership.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)