(26 Apr 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Vatican City – 26 April 2025
1. Wide of people waiting to enter Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to St. Peter’s Square
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Brian Walsh, American pilgrim:
“I can hardly stand up but this is incredible, this is the chance of a lifetime to see this. And I’m very proud to be here for my family and for all the people back home.”
3. Mid of people waiting to enter St. Peter’s Square
4. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Pasquale Vezza, Italian pilgrim: ++PARTLY OVERLAID WITH SHOT 5++
“The emotion for Pope Francis is enormous, we are very attached to the figure of the pope (Francis), both as a pope and as a man. Our family had the desire (to come here) and it was the least we could do to be here in Rome, so I think he will be greatly missed as a person, as a pope, he was a bit like everyone’s grandfather so they were very close. Now we hope that there will be a continuation, especially of his message of peace.”
5. Various of people waiting to enter St. Peter’s Square
6. Various of people entering St. Peter’s Square
STORYLINE:
As many as 200,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square as he is being laid to rest Saturday.
While dignitaries are to attend, prisoners and migrants will usher him into the basilica where he will be buried, reflecting his priorities as pope.
US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the UN chief and European Union leaders are joining Prince William and the Spanish royal family in attendance.
Francis is breaking with recent tradition and will be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, where a simple underground tomb awaits him with just his name: Franciscus.
The funeral is set to start at 10 a.m. local time.
Ordinary mourners streamed Saturday to get a spot in standing room near the rear of the square surrounding the ancient obelisk, behind VIP seating.
The area to the left of the main altar, up the basilica steps, is reserved for celebrants and Catholic hierarchy, while world leaders and royalty will be seated on the right.
Many ran toward the square as barricades opened.
Some carried banners for the Jubilee Holy Year that Francis opened in December and will continue despite his death Monday following a stroke.
AP video by Isaia Montelione and Maria Grazia Murru
AP production by Francesco Sportelli
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