Rome prepares for Pope Francis’ funeral

Thousands of mourners are gathering in Rome to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday. St. Peter’s Basilica has become the focal point for tributes, with long queues forming as people come to honour the late pontiff. Preparations are underway for the funeral, which will take place on Saturday at the historic Santa Maria Maggiore church in the heart of the city. Rome is bracing for an influx of visitors and heightened security measures.