The Latest Breaking News on As Rome gears up for spectacle of Pope Francis’s funeral, mourners hail his humility

Tens of thousands of people visited the Vatican on Friday for a last glimpse of Pope Francis's open coffin, before his funeral on Saturday. Italian authorities have stepped up security to protect the more than 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs expected to attend, alongside around 200,000 mourners.

Dozens of heads of state – some of whom had better relations with the pope than others – will be in attendance.

More than 130,000 people have filed past the Pope's coffin as it lay in state in St Peter's Basilica since Wednesday

The pontiff shunned fanfare by picking a small niche in the basilica he visited more than 100 times during his papacy

The pope's funeral will be held in a tense geopolitical climate, and Vatican officials are facing a complicated diplomatic chessboard.

While acknowledging past disagreements, Riccardo Di Segni told Euronews that respectful dialogue has been central to their interactions.

Bishop Paul Tighe also said there is ‘a little bit of national pride’ that an Irish-born man is the chief organiser while the post is vacant.

The theologian added that the timing of 2024 film Conclave “couldn’t be more powerful”

Francis cultivated a humble image, opting for a modest rather than lavish lifestyle.