Inside Pope Francis' funeral 'ring of steel' as Trump among world leaders set to attend on Saturday
With 50 heads of state expected to head to Rome for Pope Francis' funeral, security will be near the top of the agenda.
The security operation, dubbed a 'ring of steel', involves snipers, road blocks and futuristic anti-drone guns.
The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.
In keeping with Francis' humble character, the Vatican said a group of poor and needy people will meet the pope's coffin to pay homage to him when it arrives at St. Mary Major basilica for burial.
The final goodbye to the leader of the Catholic church will be held on Saturday with US President Donald Trump among the guests.
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The latest images from the Vatican reveal members of the Aeronautica Militare, Italy's Air Force, sporting sunglasses and standing in St Peter's Square armed with what seem to be assault rifles equipped with three large bazooka nozzles. Despite their intimidating presence in the square, these guns are non-lethal and have been deployed to discourage potential drone pilots intending to carry out illegal surveillance or something more sinister.
These weapons are known as Counter-Unmanned Aerial Anti-drone Systems (C-UAS). The Italian ACUS (AMI Counter UAS) conducts electronic warfare using a device that emits a disruptive signal, blocking drones from transmitting video feeds and GPS signals.
The area is swarming with camoflaged soldiers on the ground along with other other security operatives including mysterious masked men dressed entirely in black.
Carabinieri, Italian police with military duties, have assumed positions on parapets above St Peter's Square where they have established sniper's nests. These specialist officers have been deployed as part of a large-scale counter-terror operation as the threat level ahead of the funeral was unofficially heightened.
While the specifics of the security measures have not been officially disclosed, it is speculated by experts that thousands of police officers - both in uniform and undercover - will be dispersed throughout the city during the funeral.
Currently, a significant security force is screening anyone wishing to visit the Pope in St Peter's Basilica, requiring them to undergo airport-style security checks. Before entry, visitors must pass through metal detectors and x-ray scanners.
The Pope will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica, were tens of thousands of people have already visited, before his coffin is sealed in the evening in preparation for his funeral on Saturday.
The tomb is being prepared behind a wooden barrier within the basilica that he chose to be near an icon of the Madonna that he revered and often prayed before.
Italian military with an anti-drone weapon patrol near The Vatican in Rome on April 24, 2025
These weapons are known as Counter-Unmanned Aerial Anti-drone Systems (C-UAS). The Italian ACUS (AMI Counter UAS) conducts electronic warfare using a device that emits a disruptive signal, blocking drones from transmitting video feeds and GPS signals. 1 of 14
Snipers line the routes to and from the Basilica 2 of 14
Tens of thousands of people have already visited the Vatican since the Pope's death adding to the headache for security personnel 3 of 14
Anti-Drone device being deployed by Italian Military against potential terrorist attacks.
These futuristic weapons are just part of the evolving nature of security threats. 4 of 14
Visitors queue to enter Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (Basilica of Saint Mary Major), where the Pope will be buried. 5 of 14
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