Italian authorities are preparing one of the most complex and secretive security operations in Vatican history as 200,000 people descend to pay respects to Pope Francis ahead of his funeral.
Around 170 global leaders and dignitaries - including Donald Trump, Prince William and Sir Keir Starmer will be in St Peter’s Square, Rome on Saturday.
The 88-year-old dubbed the “people’s pope” died on Easter Monday.
Anti-drone teams have been situated around the square to neutralise potential aerial threats.
According to daily newspaper Corriere della Serra, a no-fly zone is being patrolled by NATO Boeing E-3A airborne warning and control surveillance jets with sophisticated anti-drone jamming systems and radar domes mounted on the fuselage.
Snipers will be placed strategically on nearby roofs. Crowd barriers are already erected inside and outside the basilica.
Rome’s police chief, Marcello Fulvi, told NBC News around 8,000 security agents would also be in place for the funeral, including 2,000 uniformed police and another 1,400 plain-clothes officers.
Though Italian officials have not formally raised the terror threat level, insiders confirm it has been unofficially elevated, prompting sweeping measures across Rome and the Vatican.
Airspace has been locked down with a blanket ban on all aircraft - from commercial planes to hobbyist drones - to prevent any airborne threats during Saturday's historic farewell to the popular pontiff.
Since his remains were transferred to St Peter’s Basilica, waves of mourners stood patiently in line, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.
Thousands more are expected to flock to pay their respects throughout Thursday and until 7pm local time on Friday.
While it had been expected that the Basilica would close at midnight, it remained open for most of the night, save for an hour for cleaning, to allow more people to pay their respects.
Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
The Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, is confirmed to be attending on King Charles’s behalf.
Prime Minister Sir Keir will also be there, alongside US President Trump, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
In accordance with the late pope’s wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peter’s Basilica.
