Pope’s final resting place; Vatican ‘family’s’ tearful farewell
A barrier has been erected at the niche where Pope Francis will be buried, as Vatican staff members and trusted aides pay their respects in emotional scenes. Follow live updates.
Security has been dramatically increased with police presence spread around St Peter’s Square, temporary fencing and security checkpoints have been implemented and hundreds of the world’s media continue to arrive at Vatican City following the pontiff’s death.
Large crowds flooded the Italian streets on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) as many tourists and worshippers visited Vatican City ahead of the funeral which will be held on Saturday at 10am (6pm AEDT).
Many people will be queuing to catch a glimpse of the late pontiff when his body will be made visible in an open coffin inside St Peter’s Basilica from 9am local time (5pm AEDT) on Wednesday.
The public will be permitted to view him from 11am Wednesday up until 7pm Friday night.
On Tuesday night many worshippers gathered at St Peter’s Square for the rosary prayer before sunset.
The Vatican released details of the 88-year-old’s death, confirming he suffered a stroke that led to a coma and “irreversible” heart failure, according to his death certificate.
The announcement came about 12 hours after his passing, as thousands of mourners gathered at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
The coffin of Pope Francis will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning at 7am in Rome (5pm AEST), before lying-in-state, the Vatican has announced.
The funeral of the Pope will take place on Saturday at 8am in Rome (6pm AEST), in the square in front of St Peter’s Basilica, before burial in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Many world leaders including future King of England Prince William have confirmed their attendance at the pontiff’s funeral.
Pope Francis died on Monday at 7.35am local time (3.35pm AEDT) on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse near St Peter’s Basilica where he had lived since his election in 2013. His passing occurred less than 24 hours after his final public appearance on Easter Sunday.
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Originally published as Pope’s final resting place; Vatican ‘family’s’ tearful farewell
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