Pope Francis’s Funeral Security in Rome Heightens as 500,000 Mourners and World Leaders Arrive for the Ceremony

Rome is bracing for a monumental security effort as the city prepares to host the funeral of Pope Francis this Saturday.

With half a million mourners expected to descend on the Italian capital, authorities are pulling out all the stops to ensure safety during the event.

VIPs from around the world, including Prince William, Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, are all expected to attend.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been invited to the event, and his place will be taken by Olga Ljubimova, Russia’s culture minister.

Extensive Security Measures in Place for the High-Profile Event

Security for the funeral is nothing short of extraordinary. A “ring of steel” is being erected around the Vatican to protect attendees and dignitaries.

To keep the peace, army anti-drone units, machine-gun-wielding police, special forces sharp-shooters on rooftops, and undercover security teams will be stationed throughout the area.

Additionally, security personnel on horseback, helicopter patrols, and boats on the nearby River Tiber will be monitoring the event.

A military source stated, “We have heads of state, royal family members, and other dignitaries coming from all over the world, so this is a huge operation, but we’re ready for anything.”

Airports and Military Airbase on High Alert

Security is being heightened not just around the Vatican but also at Rome’s airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino.

A military airbase at Pratica di Mare is on standby, and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane will be circling above the city.

Drains and sewers are also being checked as part of the comprehensive security plan.

Air Defense Units in Place to Protect the Pope’s Funeral

As mourners continued to pay their respects at St Peter’s Basilica, military air defense units were visibly stationed throughout the area.

Each unit consists of two servicemen: one operating anti-drone technology and another serving as a spotter.

The anti-drone weapons jam the radio frequencies used by drones to communicate and navigate, ensuring that no airborne threats can disrupt the event.

One operator revealed, “We can either direct the drone away or force it to land.”

The Swiss Guards and Italian Forces Lead Security Efforts

Though the Vatican is protected by its Swiss Guards and the Vatican Security Service, the bulk of the security operation falls to the Italian government.

Thousands of police officers and soldiers will patrol the area surrounding the Vatican and along the route from St Peter’s Basilica to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where Pope Francis will be buried.

Mourners Continue to Pay Tribute to Pope Francis

As the funeral approaches, crowds of pilgrims continue to line up to pay their last respects to the late pope.

His body is lying in state at the Altar of the Confessor inside St Peter’s Basilica, and the doors will close on Friday evening to allow the coffin to be sealed ahead of Saturday’s ceremony.

A Break from Tradition as Pope Francis Chooses His Final Resting Place

In an unexpected departure from tradition, Pope Francis requested to be buried at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica rather than in the papal cemetery beneath St Peter’s.

This decision has added another layer of complexity to the security efforts, as the route to the basilica will need to be secured, and the funeral procession will move slowly to allow the crowd a chance to pay their respects.