The Vatican announced on the 25th that approximately 250,000 people have come to mourn during the 3-day period of Pope Francis' lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica. As the public viewing hours concluded, world leaders began to gather in preparation to attend the funeral.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the last batch of people to pay respects in front of the casket. The number of people who came to view Pope Francis's remains surpassed those who came after former Pope Benedict XVI passed away in 2022, which was estimated at around 195,000.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held at 10 AM on the 26th (4 PM Malaysian time) on the steps in front of St. Peter's Basilica, after which the casket will be sent for burial at St. Mary’s Basilica.
The square is scheduled to reopen at 5:30 AM local time (11:30 AM Malaysian time) on the 26th under strict security measures, with approximately 200,000 people expected to flock to the square.
Fifty heads of state and more than ten members of royalty are expected to attend the funeral, including US President Trump. This marks his first international trip since returning to the White House.
Italian and Vatican authorities have imposed strict security measures around St. Peter's Square, including banning drones, deploying snipers on rooftops and having fighter jets on standby.