Rome [Italy], April 25: Extensive security measures will be in place in Rome for Saturday's funeral service for Pope Francis - to safeguard not just the throngs of faithful in and around the Vatican, but also the influx of world dignitaries.
Above all, the arrival of many world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, will entail an unprecedented deployment of police, military and other security entities.
Further complicating matters, Francis' coffin will be driven across Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial will take place, following a funeral service in St Peter's at the Vatican.
The authorities are expecting tens of thousands of people to line this route, which is around 6 kilometres long.
The exact route is still being discussed but could pass such iconic sites as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
"It's extremely complex," Rome's police chief, Roberto Massucci, said in an interview.
According to Fabio Ciciliano of the civil defence service, more than 200,000 people were expected for the funeral service around St Peter's Square: "But we need to look at these figures again." Security precautions around the Vatican have been boosted for days and a no-fly zone is in place, with the Italian special forces also securing St Peter's Square with drone defence equipment.
All the faithful who want to say goodbye to the pope in person before the funeral in St Peter's Basilica must first have their bags scanned. The measures will be stepped up again for the funeral service on Saturday, when Rome is expecting delegations and leaders from around 170 countries.
Snipers, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, special forces on the River Tiber and other units will be deployed to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
The most difficult part will be organizing the simultaneous arrival of the many delegations and their escorts, said police chief Massucci.
There are likely to be extensive roadblocks, particularly because of Trump's arrival.
According to media reports, the president will be staying at the US ambassador's residence before travelling to the Vatican for the funeral service.
All of this comes at an already intense time for Rome. Large numbers of tourists are currently in the city because of the Easter celebrations and the 2025 Jubilee, announced by the late pope John Paul II at the end of the 2000 Great Jubilee.
To make matters worse for the police and security authorities, Friday is also a public holiday commemorating the 80th anniversary of Italy's liberation from fascism and Nazism.
Source: Qatar Tribune
