Pope Francis I funeral live updates: Vatican making 'final preparations' for world leaders to attend

Seating plan for Pope Francis' funeral is delicate effort in diplomacy

The seating plan for international leaders at the funeral of Pope Francis is a delicate effort in diplomacy.

It has been described as a "master plan" in stage-managing the "big egos" of world leaders by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales.

Francis's birth country of Argentina will take precedence in the seating arrangements. Its delegation includes President Javier Milei, who was a vocal critic of the Pope before he became the nation's head of state. Italy will then follow, as the Pope is the bishop of Rome and leader of the nation's Catholic bishops.

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Vatican to make final preparations for Pope's funeral

The Vatican will be making final preparations today for Pope Francis’s funeral, welcoming the last of the crowds of mourners through St Peter’s Basilica to see his open coffin.

A number of world leaders are also expected to land in Rome today. This is likely to include the heads of state and monarchs attending Saturday’s ceremony in St Peter’s Square, including US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Thousands of mourners again wait to see Pope Francis's remains

Thousands of mourners again waited through the night for a chance to see Pope Francis's remains before the lying-in-state ends on Friday evening.

It comes as a UK cardinal predicted the funeral will be a "masterpiece" in stage managing "big egos" as world leaders fly in to pay their respects.

US President Donald Trump is among those due to attend the requiem mass for the late pontiff, joining dignitaries from across the globe.

The conclave could begin on May 5

The archbishop, who will be one of three UK cardinals to take part in the conclave process to elect the next pope, likely beginning in just over a week's time, has also spoken of the weight felt by those who will choose a successor.

Ahead of taking part in his first conclave, and sharing that he does not expect "for half a second to be the one who is asked to pick up this cross" and become pope, he said he will "try my utmost to play a good part in the process".

Asked about having described the prospect of conclave as intimidating, he said: "It's the weight, the consequence of the choice we make, which is, even on the world stage, is significant."

He described being chosen as pope as "a moment of a mini death, almost" for someone who at that point places "themselves into the hands of the Church to be offered to God".

The conclave could begin on May 5, following a nine-day mourning period which starts with Saturday's funeral.

On his thoughts about a future pontiff, Cardinal Nichols said: "I think the next pope is going to have to carry on that work (by Francis) of speaking to the hearts of people about hope, about the mercy of God, about the highest calling of what it means to be a human being."

Days since the Pope's death on Easter Monday as 'deeply emotional'

Cardinal Nichols has described recent days since the Pope's death on Easter Monday as "deeply emotional".

He told how "moving" it was to sit in the basilica and watch as others solemnly filed past the coffin this week.

Following Saturday's open-air funeral in the square, Francis's remains will be taken through the streets of Rome in another break with tradition, as his body is brought to a simple underground tomb in the basilica of Saint Mary Major, as per his instructions.

Cardinal Nichols said this will "enlarge the stage on which this is played out, and will give the people of Rome, especially, something that they will appreciate very deeply".

He added: "(Pope Francis's) favourite title was 'I'm Bishop of Rome', so they will say goodbye to their bishop."

Funeral set to be 'a masterpiece of stage management'

The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said organisers of what will be an enormous gathering of well-known names "are geniuses at dealing with these big events".

In an interview with the PA news agency in Rome, the Archbishop of Westminster said the funeral will be "without a doubt another masterpiece of stage management when you consider those state leaders who have high opinions of their importance".

He added: "In the past, I've seen it here over and over again that the combination of Rome and the Holy See, they actually are geniuses at dealing with these big events.

"I think they've been doing it since the emperors ruled Rome - that they know how to deal with big egos.

"And I think every leader of a nation that comes here on Saturday, will go home reasonably content."

More large crowds are expected to gather ahead of the funeral

Vast crowds are expected to gather ahead of Saturday's funeral in St Peter's Square, which will see the highest-ranking members of the Catholic Church and major political leaders come together to bid a final farewell to the 88-year-old Pope.

Also on the list to attend are UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Prince of Wales on behalf of the King, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and the nation's President Michael D Higgins.

The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said organisers of what will be an enormous gathering of well-known names "are geniuses at dealing with these big events".

Pope Francis funeral will be a 'masterpiece' in stage managing 'big egos'

Final mourners were in a queue for their last chance to see Pope Francis's remains - as a UK cardinal predicted the funeral will be a "masterpiece" in stage managing "big egos" as world leaders fly in to pay their respects.

US President Donald Trump is among those due to attend the requiem mass for the late pontiff, joining dignitaries from across the globe.

Tens of thousands of members of the public have queued and filed past Francis's open coffin in St Peter's Basilica, during its three-day lying-in-state which will end on Friday evening.

More 'decorum' in church today after phone ban

Shocking pictures of people taking selfies in front of the pope's coffin sparked outrage among mourners on Wednesday - but those who visited St Peter's Basilica on Thursday say behaviour has much improved following a ban on using mobile phones.

One source who was in the queue yesterday and today said: "Today, there is a totally different approach to yesterday, now there is far more decorum."

Who are the cardinals set to vote for the next pope?

Cardinals are senior members of the Roman Catholic church.

Those aged under the age of 80 and who meet eligible criteria will form part of the conclave, the group which selects the next pope.

These cardinal-electors gather in the Vatican following the death or resignation of a pontiff.

They will cast their votes in secret, until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority to become the next pope.

Pope Francis mourners banned from taking pictures after outrage

Mourners have been banned from taking pictures of Pope Francis lying in state.

It comes after the Mirror reported yesterday how hundreds were distastefully grabbing images and videos of the Pope, to the outrage of other pilgrims.

Yesterday, phones could be seen consistently held aloft and in front of at least half those attending to pay respects to the Pontiff.

Read more: Vatican introduces ban for Pope Francis mourners after outrageous behaviour

Cardinals gather in Vatican for 'spiritual reflection' days before they choose new pope

As cardinals continue to arrive from all over the world following the pope's death, a third meeting was held today to provide 'spiritual meditations' for the men who will begin to choose the next pontiff in a few days' time.

The meetings will be held each day between the death of Pope Francis and the start of the conclave, which will choose Francis' successor.

The conclave, which is made up of eligible cardinals under 80 years old, is expected to gather between May 6 and May 11.

Voting will take place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel.

The 113 Cardinals present in Rome held the third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announced who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.

They agreed that Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on… pic.twitter.com/vpeRYlhPKH

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 24, 2025

Prince William's attendance at funeral shows Britain's 'respect for Catholic faith', says cardinal

The Prince of Wales and Keir Starmer's attendance at Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday is a show of respect for the Catholic faith in Britain, a cardinal has said.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said it would be "special" to have the UK Prime Minister among the world leaders and dignitaries present.

The ceremony is expected to draw huge crowds both in person and online as it is streamed live to the world.

The cardinal made the comments as he described a "strengthened relationship between the faiths and government" in the years since the pandemic.

Prince William, a future head of the Church of England, will represent his father King Charles by travelling to Vatican City for Pope Francis's funeral mass in St Peter's Square.

As well as the Prime Minister, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will be present alongside other political leaders such US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Irish premier Micheal Martin.

Irish postal service to deliver messages to Vatican for free

Ireland's postal service is offering to send Mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican for free for people who wish to pay their respects to Pope Francis.

The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the "people's pope", having spoken out for the poor and those in need in his lifetime and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

In St Peter's Square, thousands have stood in line for hours, sometimes overnight, for the chance to pay their respects to the late Pope.

The Irish postal service An Post said it would deliver Mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican free-of charge for anyone who wants to express their condolences.

Post offices had received queries from the public looking for advice on what was the correct address and stamp to use.

Donald Trump set to arrive for funeral one day early

US President Donald Trump is due to arrive into Rome at 11pm tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.

Visible security presence around the Vatican

Armed officers in military fatigues form just part of the huge multi-million security operation in place around the Vatican City.

Special anti-drone weapons, steel barriers, metal detectors and even fighter jets will be on standby over the next few days to protect the Holy See from possible threats, with the highest level of security anticipated on Saturday, the day of the pope's funeral.

Pope Francis' doctor says he died at home 'without suffering'

Pope Francis's doctor has said the late pontiff had his eyes open but was "unresponsive" when he rushed to his bedside on Monday morning.

He told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera today: "I went into his room, and he had his eyes open.

"I noted that he did not have respiratory issues, so I tried to call him but he did not respond.

"He also did not respond to stimuli, even painful ones.

"In that moment, I understood there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma."

Two hours after falling ill around 5.30am on Monday, the pope died after suffering a stroke.

"He died without suffering, at home", the doctor added.

First image of Pope's tomb ahead of weekend funeral

The first image of Francis’s tomb was released yesterday.

Reading simply 'Franciscus' with the reproduction of his pectoral cross, it was made from marble of Ligurian origin, the Vatican said. It was prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

The tomb is located near the Altar of Saint Francis, the Vatican added.

Worshippers allowed to visit Pope's final resting place day after funeral

Worshippers will be allowed to visit the Pope's final resting place the day after the funeral concludes this weekend.

The late Pontiff has chosen to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore - Saint Mary Major - a church in central Rome he used to frequent before his death. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Vatican press office, said it would be open to the public on the morning of April 27.

More than 60,000 have now paid respects to late Pope

More than 60,000 people have not paid tribute to the late Pope at St Peter's the Vatican has said.

In a statement released this afternoon, an official spokesperson said 61,000 people have passed through the basilica's doors by 1pm local time (12pm BST). The total marks a 10,000 increase on earlier estimates, and many thousands more will follow over the next several hours.

Well-wishers given less than 36 hours to pay in-person respects to late Pope

Fury as people take 'disrespectful' selfies in front of Pope's open coffin

Furious mourners who queued for the Pope's lying-in-state on Wednesday have slammed social media users for shamelessly taking selfies next to his open casket - calling the behaviour “distasteful” and disrespectful.

The Vatican confirmed the 88-year-old passed away at around 7.30am on Easter Monday from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. His body has since been moved into Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City for the three-day ritual ahead of his funeral. Some 20,000 worshippers have queued up to pay respects, but many sparked widespread fury after they were spotted snapping pictures with Francis' body - laid out in a coffin and surrounded by red robes in the background.

Fury as people take 'disrespectful' selfies in front of Pope's open coffin

More than 50,000 people pay respects to Pope in 24 hours

More than 50,000 people have paid their respects to the Pope in the last 24 hours since St Peter's Basilica opened to the public, with thousands more people hoping to follow their lead today as they wait in now several-kilometre-long queues.

Counter-terror snipers set up nests on Vatican City rooftops

The latest pictures from Vatican City this morning show snipers have set up nests on the rooftops of buildings in the microstate, with counter-terror police units keeping a keen eye on crowds ahead of the Pope's funeral on Saturday.

Italian military spotted with impressive anti-drone hardware

Italian troops policing St Peter's Square have been photographed hauling massive anti-drone guns while on patrol.

The soldiers from Aeronautica Militare - the Italian air force - are out in significant numbers alongside local police as thousands of people gather in the square to pay their respects.

Queue to see Pope Francis passes 2km

The queues to see Pope Francis have now crossed the 2km mark, Italian media reports, with columns of worshippers passing around different corners before arriving even at Porta Angelica, the gate in the Leonine Wall.

People currently in the queue are waiting around three hours before they arrive at St Peter's Basilica.

Disgraced cardinal who covered up child sex abuse will close Pope's coffin

One of the cardinals set to preside over the closing of Pope Francis’ coffin was banned from public ministry for his role in covering up the child sex abuse scandal.

Roger Michael Mahony was stripped of all his administrative and public duties in Los Angeles by his successor in 2013. It came after the LA archdiocese, the largest in the US, released thousands of pages of files on priests accused of child molestation.

The documents showed that Mahony, now 89, helped shield accused priests from investigation in the 1980s. Mahony is a member of the College of Cardinals, who have descended on Vatican City this week in the wake of Pope Francis’s death.

Disgraced cardinal who covered up child sex abuse will close Pope's coffin

Early morning queues to see Pope Francis extend far beyond St Peter's Square

The latest pictures from Vatican City this morning show queues to pay tribute to the late Francis I now extend far beyond St Peter's Square.

Faithful members of the public have gathered since the early hours - after standing in queues over night - to continue to pay their respects.

Nearly 50,000 people have paid respects to Pope Francis

Nearly 50,000 people have now paid their respects to Pope Francis in his St Peter's Basilica resting place, the Vatican has confirmed.

Between 11am on April 23 and 8.30am local time this morning, 48,600 people visited the mourning site. Overnight - between 12am and 5.30am alone - it was confirmed that around 13,000 people filed through St Peter's.