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Pope Francis' coffin has been closed in a private ceremony attended by senior cardinals ahead of his funeral on Saturday - while Donald Trump arrived in Rome tonight
Donald Trump has touched down in Rome as the Vatican is makes its final preparations ahead of Pope Francis' funeral after 250,000 mourners passed through St Peter’s Basilica to view his open coffin.
The Pontiff will be laid to rest at 10am on Saturday April 26 in St Peter’s Square, following three days of public viewing since his death at age 88 on Monday. In line with his wishes, Francis will be buried in a simple wooden coffin, abandoning the traditional triple-casket arrangement.
More than 250,000 people have flocked to St Peter’s Basilica since Wednesday, with the Vatican keeping its doors open overnight to manage the surging crowds.
On Friday, an emergency alert was sent out to phones in Rome and the Vatican to inform visitors that access to the church would end at 5pm local time (6pm BST).
The pope's coffin was then sealed in a special ceremony led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Around 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected at Saturday’s outdoor ceremony in St Peter’s Square.
Security around the Vatican has been tightened, with flying restrictions, rooftop snipers, and fighter jets on standby.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Moment Pope Francis' coffin was sealed
A lid was sealed on Pope Francis' coffin in a private ceremony tonight, after 250,000 mourners turned out to pay their respects during the three-day lying in state.
During the the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin at St Peter's Basilica, Archbishop Diego Ravelli placed a white silk cloth over the late pontiff's face, while Cardinal-Camerlengo Farrell sprinkled him with holy water.
A bag containing coins and medals minted during his time as pope was also put in the coffin, with the pope seen dressed in his red robes and holding a rosary in his hands.
A lid bearing a cross and coat of arms was then placed on top, along with a plaque reading 'Francisci P.M'.
In line with his wishes for a modest burial, Francis had asked for a "simple" coffin, with the simple wood and zinc design contrasting with the more elaborate three-nested caskets used for some of his predecessors.
KEY EVENT
Donald Trump arrives in Rome for Pope's funeral
Donald Trump has arrived in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral amid a massive security operation.
The US president was seen emerging from Air Force One tonight with wife Melania before he joins Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William and a host of other world dignitaries for an outdoor service in St Peter's Square in the Vatican tomorrow.
A Vatican spokesperson has confirmed that priority for seating will be given Francis's birth country of Argentina, then Italy.
Other world leaders will be seated "in alphabetical order, but in French language", followed by heads of state - meaning Trump will be given a third-row seat.
Read more: Donald Trump arrives in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral amid 'ring of steel' security
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Pope's face covered with a silk cloth
Moments before Pope Francis' coffin was sealed at St Peter's Basilica this evening, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli covered the late pontiff's face with a silk cloth.
It follows a tradition established with the burial of Pope Paul VI in 1969, and also featured in the rites for John Paul II in 2005 and Benedict XVI in 2023.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Zelensky's attendance at funeral in doubt
Volodymyr Zelensky may not be able to attend the pope's funeral tomorrow, according to reports.
The Ukrainian president yesterday cut short his visit to South Africa following Vladimir Putin's deadly airstrikes on Kyiv, which killed at least twelve people and left more than 70 injured.
Tongiht, Italian newspaper La Repubblica quoted Mr Zelensky as saying he is "not sure he'll have the time" to attend Saturday's memorial, adding: "If I'll have the time I'll surely be in attendance.
"If I won't have the time, Ukraine will be adequately represented. In attendance will be the foreign minister and the first lady. When it comes to me, it is important to be here. Tomorrow we will host several military meetings."
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Pope's coffin being sealed in special ceremony
Cardinal Kevin Farrell is currently leading the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin inside St Peter's Basilica.
Other Holy See officials are also assisting with the ceremony.
It marks the end of three days of the pope lying in state, during which time 250,000 people from across the world were able to view his body in a simple wooden casket.
Matthew Young
Donald Trump forced to take backseat behind Prince William
US President Donald Trump is set to take a back seat behind Prince William as the world ’s eyes fall on Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral tomorrow.
Final preparations were tonight being made to security operations and logistics for the 200,000 pilgrims expected to descend on Vatican City. Delegations from about 130 countries, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, will cram into St Peter’s Square, where the service will take place.
But Trump, who was one of the first world leaders to say he would attend, could be sat as far back as the third row.
Read more: Donald Trump forced to take backseat behind Prince William
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Emmanuel Macron spotted at lying in state
French president Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte stopped by St Peter's Basilica this evening to pay their respects to Pope Francis.
Despite being raised in a non-religious household, Macron was baptised a Roman Catholic at his own request at the age of 12, though in recent years has described himself as agnostic.
#SedeVacante
— L'Osservatore Romano (@oss_romano) April 25, 2025
Emmanuel Macron, presidente della Repubblica Francese, ha reso omaggio a #PapaFrancesco fermandosi in preghiera davanti al feretro esposto nella Basilica di San Pietro pic.twitter.com/2wPa0pg49o
KEY EVENT
Around 250,000 visited the pope lying in state
After closing the doors of St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican have said a total of "about 250,000" people visited Pope Francis lying in state between Wednesday morning and this evening.
His coffin is set be sealed in about an hour's time, ahead of tomorrow’s funeral.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Who else will be at the funeral?
In the last couple of hours, the Vatican has released a full list of dignitaries who have been invited to Pope Francis' funeral.
Prince William, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump all feature after previously confirming their attendance - while Foreign Secretary David Lammy will also be seated among the guests at the outdoor service in St Paul's Square.
Others who will be at the funeral include:
- Former US president Joe Biden
- European Comission presdient Urusla Von der Leyen
- French president Emmanuel Macron
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- Spain's King Felipe
- King Philippe of Belgium
- Russia's Culture minister Olga Lyubimova (Vladimir Putin has confirmed he is not attending)
KEY EVENT
Queue has now closed for lying in state
The doors of St Peter's Basillica have now closed to the public, three days after Pope Francis' body first went on display.
Huge queues continued across the square outside the church today for the final few hours of the lying in state, while an emergency alert sent out earlier to phones in the Vatican and Rome confirmed that the area would be closed to the public this evening.
The alert, sent out in Italian, English, French and Spanish, said: "Civil Protection Department - Farewell to Pope Francis - Access to St Peter's Square will close at 5pm on April 25."
The last few mourners are currently inside the church, but no further visitors will now be admitted.
Once they have left, a liturgy service will be held before the coffin is sealed.
KEY EVENT
David Lammy will join Keir Starmer at pope's funeral
US president Donald Trump will be joined by First Lady Melania while Sir Keir Starmer will have wife Victoria by his side, according to a final list of dignitaries released by the Vatican.
Foreign secretary David Lammy’s appearance has also been confirmed.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Queue will close in just under an hour
Over 130,000 people have visited St Peter's Basilica to see the pope lying in state since Wednesday morning, with a larger-than-expected turnout seeing crowds line the streets of the small city-state.
But the doors of the church are set to close at 6pm local time (5pm BST) this evening, after which preparations will begin for tomorrow's funeral.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
British cardinal says Vatican can handle 'big egos' for funeral
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, has said Pope Francis' funeral will be "a masterpiece of stage management when you consider those state leaders who have high opinions of their importance".
Speaking in the Vatican, he told PA: "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."
Liam Buckler
Donald Trump to arrive today
Heads of state and royalty will start converging on Rome on Friday for the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, including US President Donald Trump.
Argentine President Javier Milei is also among the leaders arriving Friday, the last day Argentine pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin is sealed in the evening in preparation for his funeral Saturday.
The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.
Zahra Khaliq
Queue outside St Peter's Basilica dwarfs yesterday's
Today's queue outside the Basilica appears to be much bigger than those seen in the previous days as the deadline to see Pope for the final time fast approaches.
The number of mourners is expected to significantly increase in the coming hours.
KEY EVENT
Emergency alert sent to phones about queue closing
All mobile phones in the Vatican and surrounding area have received an emergency alert from authorities.
The message has warned members of the public that St Peter's Square will close from 5pm local time today.
The Pope is currently lying in state, but public access to see his open coffin will end this evening at 6pm local time.
Liam Buckler
Priest slammed for taking selfie with Pope's body
A priest has been slammed for taking selfies with Pope Francis' body - as the Vatican has been forced to issue a stern warning to mourners. A Brazilian cleric, who has over 115,000 followers on Instagram, has been criticised for sharing selfies and videos of him next to the body of the pontiff.
The cleric shared his distasteful images from the Basilica of St Peter with the caption, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis." Despite the images and videos being "liked" by followers, the selfies have proven to be controversial. It has even forced the Vatican to remind mourners not to take photos while paying their respects.
Zahra Khaliq
How the Pope's funeral will break tradition
Pope Francis scrapped long-standing papal funeral traditions last year, allowing for simpler rites that will be seen in his burial tomorrow.
The Pontiff approved a set of rules that allow a pope to be “laid out and buried like any son or daughter of the church”, without the use of an elevated bier topped with cushions. He said: “With dignity, but not on cushions. In my opinion, the ritual was too ornate.”
For his own funeral, the Pope has rejected the elaborate triple-coffin setup and opted for a plain wooden casket lined with zinc. He also chose to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, breaking with the custom of resting in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s.
Liam Buckler
Nun who broke protocol to stand by coffin is Pope's long-time friend
This is the heartbreaking moment an elderly nun was allowed to break protocol to stand by her close friend's Pope Francis Coffin at St Peter's Basilica.
Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a French-Argentine nun, attended the first day of Francis' lying-in state and was captured approaching a restricted area, which is traditionally reserved for bishops, priests and cardinals.
However, the 81-year-old was given permission to pray there due to the close bond they had. The heartfelt footage, which went viral on social media, shows the nun stepping towards a red rope surrounding the coffin with the assistance of an official.
Read the full story here: Nun who broke protocol to stand by coffin is long-time friend
Zahra Khaliq
Millions expected to turn up tomorrow
Alongside world leaders and political figures, large crowds of Catholics and well-wishers are expected to form around St Peter's Square in the coming hours.
The Italian government said on Tuesday it expected at least 200,000 foreigners to travel to Rome for the funeral. But there is reason to believe the eventual turnout will be much higher than this estimate – as the last funeral of a sitting pope, John Paul II, attracted around four million attendees.
Zahra Khaliq
What security measures are in place?
Barriers have been placed in and around St Peter’s Basilica to control the surging crowds making their final visit to the Pope before his coffin is closed this evening.
Security have ramped up their checks while state-of-the-art defence systems have been deployed both on the ground and in the skies. Anti-drone technology, a no-fly zone monitored by fighter jets, and advanced jamming technologies are in place, while anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage units are already active.
Over 2,000 police officers are now patrolling St Peter’s Basilica and the surrounding areas ahead of the conclave, set to begin early next month to select Pope Francis’s successor. They will be supported by 400 traffic officers managing the flow of diplomatic convoys.
Zahra Khaliq
Who will attend the Pope's funeral?
Donald Trump and wife Melania will be in Rome for the funeral on Saturday. The couple's attendance comes after the late Pope criticised the US President's policies on immigration and mass deportations.
Also expected to attend is Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sergio Mattarella and Giorgia Meloni - the president and prime minister of Italy, respectively.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain are also expected to be at Saturday's ceremony, along with Michael D Higgins and Micheál Martin, the president and taoiseach of Ireland, respectively. Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland, will be there, as well as Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and its prime minister, Luís Montenegro.
Zahra Khaliq
Vatican makes final preparations for funeral
The area around St Peter’s Basilica has been placed under tight security as Vatican officials prepare for the Pope's funeral tomorrow morning. Drones have been blocked and there are snipers on roofs and fighter jets on standby. Hundreds of chairs have also been laid out at St Peter's Square for guests.
At least 130 foreign delegations are expected to attend the ceremony, including Prince William and Argentina’s president, Javier Milei. US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected to land in Rome today.
KEY EVENT
Pope's coffin to close at 8pm today
The Vatican will welcome the last of the crowds of mourners through St Peter’s Basilica to see Pope Francis's open coffin until 7pm this evening.
The Rite of Sealing the Coffin, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will then begin at 8pm and be broadcast live on TV.
A number of world leaders are also expected to land in Rome today ahead of Saturday's ceremony in St Peter’s Square, including US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zahra Khaliq
When will Pope Francis be laid to rest?
Pope Francis will be laid to rest at 10am on Saturday April 26 in St Peter’s Square, following three days of public viewing since the Pontiff's death at age 88 on Monday.
In line with his wishes, Francis will be buried in a simple wooden coffin, abandoning the traditional triple-casket arrangement.
