Thousands honour Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY: Thousands of people poured into St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who is lying in state for three days ahead of his funeral on Saturday. Crowds stretched down the main boulevard leading through Rome into the Vatican under an unusually warm spring sun, pressing forward slowly as people took their turn to see the late pontiff, laid out in an open coffin.
The body of the 88-year-old pope was brought to St Peter's in a solemn procession earlier on Wednesday. Red-hatted cardinals, bishops, candle-carrying friars and helmeted Swiss Guards walked slowly into the vast, sunlit square in front of the basilica as a choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin while a bell gently tolled. As the coffin crossed St Peter's Square, a crowd of several thousand broke into repeated applause — a traditional Italian sign of respect at such events. — Reuters
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Gaza aid group halts distribution
GAZA: The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation did not give out any aid on Wednesday as it pressed Israel to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its distribution sites, after dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed this week. The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to "guide foot traffic in a way that minimises confusion or escalation risks" near military positions; develop clearer guidance for civilians; and enhance training to support civilian safety. "Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid," said a GHF spokesperson. An Israeli military spokesperson warned civilians against moving in areas leading to GHF sites on Wednesday, deeming them "combat zones". The new aid distribution process for Gaza's two million-plus population from just three sites was launched in the midst of a fierce new offensive by Israel since late last month. — Reuters
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Over 200 prisoners break out of Pakistani jail
KARACHI: More than 200 inmates escaped from a jail in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi late on Monday when they overpowered prison guards after being allowed to leave their cells following a series of earthquakes, local officials and police said. The jailbreak began just before midnight and continued into the early hours of Tuesday after hundreds of prisoners were allowed into the courtyard of the District Malir prison because of the tremors, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, the provincial law minister, told reporters at the scene on Tuesday. Police said the prisoners snatched guns from prison staff and forced open the main gate after a shootout, evading paramilitary soldiers. At least one prisoner was killed and three guards wounded, said Provincial Police Chief Ghulam Nabi Memon. "I heard the firing for quite some time and then some time later prisoners made their way out running in all directions," Bukhsh, a private security guard at a residential complex opposite the jail who goes by a single name, said. He added that some of the prisoners entered the apartment complex before being taken away by police. — Reuters
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Oman-Italy relations based on mutual respect, vision for peace
The Sultanate of Oman and Italy enjoy a long-standing relationship rooted in mutual respect and a common vision for peace, cultural exchange and sustainable development since pre-historic times, according to Pierluigi D'Elia, Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman. Speaking to the media at the Italian National Day in Muscat, named 'A Night of Culture, Friendship and Diplomacy' held under the auspices of Khalid bin Hashil al Muselhi, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, at the Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel, the ambassador emphasised the deep historical ties and shared values between the two nations. 'This event is not only a celebration of the Italian Republic but also of the enduring friendship between our peoples,' said the ambassador. The event brought together distinguished guests from Omani government institutions, diplomatic corps, business and cultural communities, as well as Italian citizens residing in Oman. The reception was a tribute to the strong and growing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Italy and Oman. He further said that Italy's National Day celebration in Muscat marks a symbolic reaffirmation of Italy's commitment to its international partnerships, particularly with Oman, to tackle common challenges and promote peace and stability. "The Embassy of Italy extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebration, including its partners - The Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman, Eurotec, Yenaier by Adante Realty, Scalinatella, Oman Air, Monte delle Vigne, Avicen, Renardet, I Veri Sapori Dell'Etna, Terre Di Shemir, CESI, Al Rofoof Hotel Supplies & Trading (Illy Café), Idea Hub, The Italian Trade Agency, and The Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel, whose valuable support and collaboration contributed to the success of this year's celebration," he said.
