As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, Rome is preparing to host a monumental funeral that will converge dignitaries and sorrowful crowds. With over 200,000 people expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square tomorrow, the city is implementing a modern security strategy encompassing everything from river patrols on the Tiber to advanced surveillance drones and trained snipers positioned strategically around the iconic square.
The magnitude of the event has prompted an extensive response from law enforcement and security personnel. Rome’s police chief, Roberto Massucci, highlighted the challenge of responsively managing the anticipated influx: “The most complex aspect is the arrival of many dignitaries from all over the world, who will converge on Rome to go to a single point.”
To ensure public safety and smooth operations, about 2,000 local police officers will be on duty, supplemented by thousands of officers from national security forces. Authorities will close several streets to traffic around the Vatican, meticulously planning the best route for the funeral procession, which will take Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, his chosen burial site.
Since Wednesday, tens of thousands of mourners have paid their respects, queuing outside St. Peter’s Basilica to view the pontiff’s open coffin. As the preparations continue, security enhancements remain pivotal. Fabio Ciciliano, head of the national Civil Protection Department, observed that larger crowds may gather not only in St. Peter’s Square but also along the 4 km (2.5 miles) path leading to Santa Maria Maggiore. In anticipation of this vast assembly, authorities have established a no-fly zone over Rome for the week, necessitating careful coordination of incoming VIP jets and state planes at the city’s airports.
“Some delegations will want to stay in Rome for some time, others, the vast majority we are registering at this moment, will leave immediately after the funeral,” Ciciliano further explained, acknowledging the logistical complexities of handling the multitude of dignitaries arriving and departing. As a contingency measure, the military airport of Pratica di Mare, situated south of the city, will serve as a backup in case the main airports of Fiumicino and Ciampino reach capacity.
On the ground, the national railway company is acting to accommodate the large influx by adding approximately 260,000 additional seats to its train service, while city airports are anticipating an increase of up to 20,000 arrivals compared to earlier Easter holiday estimates. The careful orchestration of travel plans is crucial as the world watches this historic send-off.
While tomorrow marks the conclusion of Pope Francis’ earthly journey, the attention on Rome will not wane, as the subsequent conclave of cardinals prepares to elect a new pope, expected to commence no sooner than May 6. The coming days promise to be filled with both grief and historical significance amidst the backdrop of the eternal city.