US President Donald Trump will be in attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome tomorrow, where Prince William will take a prominent role. Final preparations are underway for the massive event, with an estimated 200,000 pilgrims expected to gather in Vatican City. Security measures are being tightened as delegations from approximately 130 countries, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, are set to fill St Peter’s Square for the service.
Traditionally, the closest seats to the service are reserved for the Pope’s home country head of state and the Italian head of state, leaving Trump possibly seated as far back as the third row. Following this protocol, Argentina’s Javier Gerardo Milei and Italy’s Sergio Mattarella will occupy the front row, with royals such as the Prince of Wales also having prominent seating arrangements.
The funeral service is scheduled to commence at 10am, lasting about one-and-a-half hours. Post the open-air mass, the late Pope’s coffin will be transferred back into the basilica before proceeding to a simple underground tomb in the basilica of Saint Mary Major. The procession between the two basilicas is expected to take around 30 minutes, with the entire event anticipated to conclude by 2pm.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, representing the UK, praised the organization of the event, highlighting the Vatican’s expertise in managing large gatherings and prominent figures. He emphasized the emotional significance of the occasion and the deep impact it will have on the people of Rome.
As mourners continued to pay their respects to Pope Francis lying in state inside St Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Nichols reflected on the solemnity of the moment and the forthcoming conclave process to elect the next pope. He acknowledged the weight of the decision ahead and expressed his commitment to contribute positively to the selection process.
Looking ahead, Cardinal Nichols shared his vision for the future pontiff, emphasizing the importance of carrying forward Pope Francis’s message of hope and mercy to humanity. The conclave to elect the new pope may commence on May 5, following the mourning period which begins with the upcoming funeral on Saturday.