Vatican City, Jan 5 (EFE).– Nearly 50,000 people attended the funeral of the emeritus pope, Benedict XVI, on Thursday, a figure below the first estimates, according to data provided by the Vatican gendarmerie.
The Italian capital’s police headquarters even estimated on Wednesday the arrival of about 100,000 people in Saint Peter’s Square, after about 200,000 visitors came to the basilica during the three days of burning chapel to say their last goodbye to the pope. who resigned in 2013.
The crowds of other pontifical funerals were not experienced, such as those of Pope John Paul II, which was attended by about 200,000 faithful.
As of 6:00 in the morning (5:00 GMT) access to Saint Peter’s Square began to be allowed for the faithful, who slowly and orderly began to take their seats because tickets were not distributed for this occasion, but they only needed to wear in line to enter the venue.
To access St. Peter’s Square it was necessary to pass controls and a metal detector, and all parked vehicles were closed to traffic and removed from the streets adjacent to the Vatican.
According to the security plan approved by the Police of the Italian capital, the airspace in the entire area was closed and helicopters, snipers, special forces, including those to fight terrorism, firefighters, and the municipal police have been made available. In total there will be more than 1,000 agents employed.
Despite the funeral, the Vatican has not declared a day of mourning and everything will remain open, including the Vatican Museums, for example, since Benedict XVI has not been a “reigning” pope since 2013 when he resigned from the pontificate, the workers of the Holy Headquarters could request permission to attend or listen to the mass. EFE
