Cosmos from the dawn of worshipers worshiping the Pope’s tomb, while the press is divided into the effectiveness of “funeral diplomacy” for Ukraine. Rome response

The confluence of the faithful in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggore since this morning is unstoppable. Of the 6 dawn, at least 20,000 believers got into the queue, waiting for more than two hours to leave a flower in the “Pope of the Poor” tomb and thank him for his deep humanity.

The authorities were taken aback

The feeling is that the Italian police, civil protection and – more generally – all the authorities, did not expect such a large cosmos. Access to cars, in the area around the temple, from 11am local time, was banned.

In the afternoon, all the cardinals of the Catholic Church are set to pray for the rest of the soul of the deceased Pontiff.

In the meantime, the priests of Basilica have asked the pilgrims to stop for the shortest possible time in front of the grave of the Argentine Pope, so that the tail of all those who wait patiently for their turn to come.

In the Vatican, prayers will continue until May 4, as predicted by the mourning ritual of the Roman Catholic Church. From May 5th, the Conquerment can start, with the participation of 134 cardinals, up to 80 years old. The exact date is likely to be decided tomorrow.

The historical photo

Concerning the presence of international political leaders at the funeral yesterday in the Vatican, “historical” a photo of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski was described. It took place in St. Peter, shortly before Francis’ funeral began. 4

But the faithful and the commentators are divided: some consider it to be a miracle, a message and a hope of peace, just as the Latin American Pontiff was demanding- as it was- tirelessly. Many others, however, believe that it was by no means the appropriate space and the right time, for a political conversation like this.

However, it was not just Trump who took the opportunity for a meeting with the president of Ukraine. Europe’s support at the negotiating table was reiterated once again by European Commission President Ursula von der Layen to Volodimir Zelenski, who also talked to him on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral.