The death of Pope Francis and his upcoming funeral continue to be a central theme in the Western press.
C. "Daily Telegraph" focuses on the announcement made yesterday that from this morning in the Basilica "St. Peter" in the Vatican, the veneration of the mortal remains of the Holy Father, who died on Monday, will begin. The British publication also notes that the Pope will be buried on Saturday, as announced yesterday.
The British newspaper draws attention to the fact that a number of world leaders, including British Prince William, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, have confirmed that they will attend the funeral of the Holy Father.
The daily also notes that about an hour after it was announced when the Pope would be buried, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he would not attend. "Daily Telegraph" recalls that an arrest warrant has been issued against Putin by the International Criminal Court in connection with the war in Ukraine.
The newspaper notes that Francis' funeral is likely to become a major international event. The publication recalls that the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 was attended by four kings, 28 prime ministers and 53 presidents.
Thousands of people are preparing to say goodbye to Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica, and world leaders have announced plans to attend his funeral, writes the British newspaper "The Times".
Pope Francis was the people's pope, his successor must be one too, writes an editorial in the "Independent".
Cardinals preparing to elect a new pope should not replace a modernizer with a traditionalist. Pope Francis' successor must be brave enough to continue the work of his predecessor, the British publication urges.
The Argentine pope had a vital progressive influence on issues such as migration and fought for a more merciful and less strict Roman Catholic Church, writes the "Guardian".
Italy is preparing serious security measures ahead of the Holy Father's funeral on Saturday, which is expected to be attended by many world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, the daily notes.
For three days, people will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Pope Francis before his funeral on Saturday, the French newspaper "Figaro" indicates.
The church is entering a crucial phase of its development, writes the "Pais". Today marks the beginning of the farewell to Pope Francis, which will be followed by an election of key importance for the future of Catholicism, the Spanish publication points out.