No-fly zone, snipers and fighter jets on standby, 2,500 volunteers: How Rome is gearing up for Pope Francis’ funeral

Rome gears up for historic farewell (Credit: AFP)

Rome is getting ready for the biggest transition event in the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. As prominent world leaders, royals, and thousands of Catholics from around the globe will be heading to the city for the Pope Francis' funeral on April 26. Italy and the Vatican are rolling out a massive security plan.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 after a prolonged health battle. His mortal remains have been carried into St. Peter's Basilica, where the late Argentine pontiff will lie in state for three days.

Tens of thousands of mourners gathered along the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica to bid a final farewell to Pope Francis.

After three days of lying in state, Pope Francis’ funeral will take place in the grand Baroque Plaza outside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican, Rome in lockdown mode 

Rome is under a temporary lockdown as the city prepares for weeks of heightened security and an influx of mourners and dignitaries. Tourists are facing added hurdles, as ongoing construction and Rome’s famously unreliable public transport are now compounded by intense security protocols.

• A strict 24-hour no-fly zone is currently in effect over the capital to ensure airspace security during the event.
• Fighter jets are on standby, and sniper units are stationed on rooftops along the key route leading to St. Peter’s Square.
• Police helicopters are patrolling nonstop above Rome’s historic center and the approach to the Vatican.
• Airport-style security checks are being carried out for all visitors entering St. Peter’s Basilica, including X-ray scanning of bags and random backpack inspections.
• Thousands of police officers have been deployed, with several hundred stationed directly around the Vatican area to ensure order and safety.
• Between 150 and 170 international delegations are expected to attend the funeral, each requiring coordinated police escorts.
• Italy’s Civil Protection Agency is mobilizing 2,000 to 2,500 volunteers to assist and monitor crowds entering St. Peter’s Square.
• Around 500 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, will be on standby, with ambulances positioned nearby for emergencies.

High profile VIP guest list 

Many world leaders and prominent personalities are expected to attend the funeral. Here's the list of expected VIPs:

America 

• United States: President Donald Trump and his wife Melania
• Argentina: President Javier Milei
• Brazil: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife Janja

Europe 

• UK: Prince William representing head of state King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer
• France: President Emmanuel Macron
• EU: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa
• Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
• Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska
• Germany: President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Others 

Isreal's Ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and first lady Liza Marcos and others.

Once the heart of a global empire, modern-day Rome struggles with a less-than-mighty transport system. Commuters often face hour-long queues at the city’s main train station, while taxi apps fail during peak times and dispatch calls loop endlessly without response. With massive crowds expected for Pope Francis’ funeral, these transport woes could pose serious challenges.