Remembering Pope Francis: Doors of St Peter's Basilica to close to public within few hours

Key Concepts:

• Lying in state: The body of Pope Francis being displayed for public viewing.
• Sealing of the coffin: The ceremony where the Pope's coffin will be permanently sealed.
• Funeral rites: The ceremonies and traditions followed during the Pope's funeral.
• Interment: The burial of the Pope in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
• Modest papacy: The Pope's vision of a simple and humble papacy.

Public Viewing and Final Hours

Thousands of people are queuing to view Pope Francis lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica in the final hours before the doors close. The doors are scheduled to close within a few hours, after which the coffin will be sealed in a ceremony led by senior cardinals.

Funeral Details

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. local time (4:00 p.m. Singapore and Hong Kong time). The funeral rites will reflect the late Pope's vision of a modest papacy. He has chosen to be interred in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in an undecorated tomb with only his papal name, Franciscus, inscribed.

Crowd and Preparations in Rome

More than 150,000 people have already paid their respects, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to fill the streets of the Vatican and Rome for the funeral. John Beaver reports live from Rome that the city is incredibly busy. People are desperately trying to join the queue to pay their final respects before the viewing ends at 7:00 p.m. local time. Emergency services and volunteers are present, and large screens have been set up for people who cannot get close to the Vatican. The streets of Rome are filled with construction as scaffolding, barriers, and viewing platforms are being built for the world's media.

Emergency Services and Planning

Authorities activated their plans since the Pope's death on Monday. The emergency services and administrative branches of both Vatican City and Rome have been working extensively to prepare for the funeral.

Conclusion

The final preparations are underway in Rome for Pope Francis's funeral. Thousands are paying their respects, and the city is bustling with activity as authorities and emergency services manage the crowds and prepare for the funeral ceremony.