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

Italian authorities have activated one of the largest security operations in Rome’s recent history ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.

Alongside 4,000 police officers, counter-drone units and fighter jets enforcing a strict no-fly zone over the capital, the Vatican’s own Swiss Guard, normally a ceremonial force, has also been brought in to help secure Vatican City and St Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands are expected to gather. The guards, famous for their medieval-style uniforms, have undergone security training as part of the preparations.

The prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, said the “security machine is ready” but would remain flexible to ensure a “sense of serenity” during the event.

In addition to the security measures, a special taskforce of 400 sanitation workers and 150 vehicles has been deployed to maintain public cleanliness in the square, while pharmacy opening hours across Rome have been extended to boost available medical services.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, have just arrived in Rome to attend Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican, Ukrainian media reported citing a government spokesperson.

There was some uncertainty around Mr Zelensky’s presence at the funeral after Kyiv was hit by massive Russian air strikes earlier this week.

Archbishops and bishops will start gathering in the Constantine Wing, a corridor adjacent to St Peter’s Basilica at 8.30am local time (7.30am BST).

At the same time, Catholic priests will start congregating in St Peter’s Square.

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

While most popes are interred on Vatican grounds, Pope Francis has broken from tradition with his request to be buried outside the holy city.

Instead, he will be buried at St Mary Major in Rome. He is the first pope in 120 years to choose a burial ground outside the Vatican.

Hours before dawn, crowds of mourners have already filled the streets around St Peter’s Square, hoping to catch a glimpse of the late pontiff as his body passes by on the way to the Basilica of St Mary Major — his final burial place.

Some photos show people lining the roads leading to the Basilica of St Mary Major, where the late pontiff will be laid to rest.

Another photograph shows crowds bundled in jackets and blankets, with some people sitting or sleeping on the pavement, as they hold their place in line overnight.

The funeral will be held in St Peter’s Square in Rome at 10am local time.

Both the BBC and Sky News will offer special coverage of the pope’s funeral ceremony.

A BBC News special will begin at 8.30am, scheduled to continue until 12.30pm. Meanwhile, Sky News will begin their coverage at 7am until 1pm.

ITV has said it will have a live stream on its online platform ITVX during the day.

The Vatican will also broadcast the funeral live on its YouTube channel. They said they would offer coverage in 15 different languages.