Title: Pope Francis Lies in State: Live Updates & Funeral Preparations
Content: Vatican says Francis’ coffin will be closed on FridayPope Francis’ coffin be closed on Friday at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET), the Holy See Press Office said. Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the ritual, it added. Taiwan’s president will not attend pope’s funeral after Vatican discussionsTaiwan appears to have backed down on sending its president to Pope Francis’ funeral after discussions with the Vatican, one of the island’s only diplomatic allies. Earlier, Taiwan foreign ministry’s said that ensuring President Lai Ching-te attendance was its “most important aim.” Democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has official relations with just 11 countries including Vatican City. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future. “After discussions between the two sides,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said, it was decided that Lai’s special envoy at the funeral would be former Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic who met Francis six times and “had a close relationship” with him. China, which has been improving ties with the Vatican in recent years, has not said who it might send to attend the funeral. Many countries, including the U.S., are sending their heads of state. St. Peter’s Square hums with activityReporting from Vatican CityFor most worshippers, Pope Francis’ death brought daily life to a halt. But in St. Peter’s Square the air hums with activity. There are rites to be performed, funerary events to be arranged and a conclave to be held for the election of the 267th Bishop of Rome. Tens of thousands wait to be allowed into the St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects to the pope. Meanwhile, bishops, recognizable by their black robes and purple stoles tied above the waists, emerge from the Holy Office Square on the right side of the vast building’s main entrance. Pope Francis lies in stateMax ButterworthThe body of Pope Francis lies inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican this morning, where he will remain for the next three days. Andrew Medichini / AFP – Getty ImagesSt. Peter’s Square temporarily closed as thousands wait to pay their respectsReporting from Vatican CityVatican authorities have temporarily stopped members of the public from entering St. Peter’s Square over fears about overcrowding. As a result no one will be able to enter the square until 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. ET). Vance says it was ‘pretty crazy’ that Francis passed away so soon after they metVice President JD Vance said it was “pretty crazy” that Pope Francis passed away so quickly after they met on Easter Sunday. Pope Francis meeting with Vice-President JD Vance on Sunday.AFP – Getty ImagesSpeaking to reporters in India, he said he was not planning to attend the funeral. President Donald Trump had said he will travel to Rome for the commemoration. Acknowledging that he had some disagreements with Francis, Vance said he would not “soil” the legacy of the Pope, who he called a “great pastor” by talking about politics. Thousands lined up for hours to pay their respects Reporting from Vatican CityEven before 8 a.m. local time (2 a.m. ET), a long line of worshippers were waiting to enter St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects. Isabella Bonotto / AFP – Getty ImagesAs Latin psalms rang out, they filed into the square, then bells rang just before Pope Francis’ coffin was a carried out.Those who couldn’t get into the square looked over the surrounding barriers, hoping to catch a glimpse before the coffin was carried into St. Peter’s Basilica where Francis’ will lie in state for three days. Members of the clergy process towards St. Peter’s Basilica Max ButterworthAndreas Solaro / AFP – Getty ImagesMembers of the clergy and other worshippers walked together as the coffin of the late Pope Francis arrived in St. Peter’s this morning.A large sculpture looks over the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the late pontiff will lie in state for three days. Antonio Masiello / Getty ImagesCrowds clap as coffin moves through St. Peter’s Square into the basilicaAlberto Pizzoli / AFP – Getty ImagesA crowd of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square erupted in applause as Francis’ body was carried through the vast space and entered the basilica for the last time. His body was placed before the Altar of Confession, facing the congregation.Pope Francis’ body moves to St. Peter’s BasilicaPope Francis’ body is being carried through the Vatican in an open coffin accompanied by hymns, priests, Swiss Guards and those who served in his household. Prayers are playing on loudspeakers, starting with Psalm 22 and followed by Psalm 114.Alberto Pizzoli / AFP – Getty ImagesUnder bright sunlight, cardinals dressed in red led the procession, along with dozens of worshippers, patriarchs, bishops and other priests.The pontiff will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral Saturday. People are turning to this Oscar-winning film to find out how a conclave worksAs the Vatican prepares for the election of a new pope, many around the world are doing their own preparations — by watching a movie about it. After news of Pope Francis’ death broke, the film “Conclave” had a viewership boost across streaming platforms it was available to watch on, according to Luminate, an entertainment data analytics company. Ralph Fiennes in “Conclave.”Focus FeaturesEdward Berger’s drama, which won the Oscar this year for best adapted screenplay, goes behind the scenes of the Vatican for the secretive process of electing a pope. The process is complicated further by power-hungry cardinals, played by Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow. The film’s distributor is Focus Features, a unit of NBC News’ parent corporation, Comcast.Read full story here.
