The coffin with the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025. ALESSANDRO DI MEO/Pool via REUTERS
ROME (Reuters) - From patrols on the River Tiber to surveillance drones and snipers deployed around St. Peter's Square, Rome is preparing to throw a thoroughly modern security shield around the ancient rituals of a papal funeral and its attendant huge crowds.
More than 200,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral, taking place on Saturday in the huge Vatican square that sits in front of the Basilica of St. Peter, Rome's public transport company said.
