Pope Francis: Extraordinary Measures for the Pontiff’s Funeral – Italy Declares Five-day Mourning

The Italian government has decided to declare a five-day mourning period following the death of Pope Francis. The news of his passing on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) at the age of 88 caused global grief. Simultaneously, this year’s events marking the anniversary of the country’s liberation from fascism and Nazism will be held on April 25 in a much more limited manner compared to previous years. The government under Giorgia Meloni allocated 5 million euros for hosting mourners and implementing extraordinary security measures ahead of the funeral of the late pontiff, scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time. On the same day, no matches in the Italian football league will take place. To assist pilgrims and ensure the safety of the faithful and officials converging on the Eternal City, besides the police and carabinieri, the army with Civil Protection has been mobilized. Specially trained divers have already begun inspecting the Tiber River area near the Vatican.