Authorities deploy massive security forces as world leaders and mourners gather in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral procession

A massive security operation has been launched in Rome as the city prepares for Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.

With around 500,000 mourners expected to gather in the Italian capital, authorities have established a comprehensive security plan, including a tight “ring of steel” around the Vatican.

Global Dignitaries Arrive in Rome

Officials are bracing for a flood of VIPs from across the globe, with attendees arriving from 170 countries.

High-profile figures expected to attend include Prince William, UK politician Sir Keir Starmer, former U.S. president Donald Trump and his wife Melania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, has not received an invitation, with Russian Culture Minister Olga Ljubimova representing the country instead.

Security Forces and High-Tech Surveillance

To ensure the safety of the dignitaries, an extensive security presence will cover both the funeral procession route and the main ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica.

This includes military anti-drone units, police officers carrying machine guns, undercover agents, security teams on horseback, and helicopters in the sky.

Special forces sharp-shooters will be positioned on rooftops, while patrol boats will monitor the nearby River Tiber.

Authorities are also preparing for any eventuality with a strong force in place.

One insider mentioned, “We have heads of state from all over the world, royal family members, and numerous dignitaries – it’s a massive operation, but we are ready for anything.”

Heightened Security Across Rome

In addition to the enhanced measures at the Vatican, security is being increased at the city’s airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino, as well as at a military base in Pratica di Mare.

To monitor the situation from above, an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane will patrol the skies, while on the ground, drains and sewers are being carefully inspected.

Anti-Drone Operations in Full Force

As mourners continue to gather and pay their respects, visible signs of military presence are evident.

At least three army air defense units are deployed, each consisting of anti-drone operators and spotters armed with Italian-made CPM weapons that disrupt the communication signals of drones.

These weapons have the ability to either force the drones to land or guide them away from sensitive areas.

A member of the defense team shared, “I can’t go into specifics, but we can control the drones and redirect them if necessary.”

Vatican’s Security and the Funeral Procession

Though the Vatican has its own ceremonial army, the Swiss Guards, and the Vatican Security Service to protect the Pope, the main security effort will be carried out by Italy’s government.

Thousands of police officers and soldiers will secure the area, as well as the four-mile route stretching from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where Pope Francis will be buried.

The funeral procession is expected to proceed slowly, allowing the crowd to view the cortege.

A Tradition-Breaking Burial

Pope Francis has requested to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking with tradition that calls for papal burials beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

This change has added complexity to security arrangements, as the route from St. Peter’s to Santa Maria Maggiore will need to be fully secured.

The Basilica of St. Peter’s is also set to close its doors at 7 p.m. on Friday, with the coffin being sealed at 8 p.m. in preparation for the Saturday ceremony.

As preparations unfold, the security operation and the flow of mourners continue to intensify ahead of what promises to be a historic and carefully orchestrated event.