Farewell to Pope Francis: chaotic scenes in front of St. Peter's Square

By Christoph Reichwein

Rome (Italy) - There have been chaotic scenes in front of St. Peter's Square.

Many people were already queuing in the early hours of the morning.
Many people were already queuing in the early hours of the morning.  © Andreea Alexandru/AP/dpa

On the Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican , numerous people waiting to enter St. Peter's Basilica bypassed police barriers.

As a dpa reporter reported, bars and barriers were pushed aside.

Some people made their way towards St. Peter's Basilica unchecked. Security forces tried to stop the people.

The rush to visit the open coffin of the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica continues unabated.

The faithful bid farewell to Francis

The stream of pilgrims to the Pope's body laid out in St. Peter's Basilica continues unabated.
The stream of pilgrims to the Pope's body laid out in St. Peter's Basilica continues unabated.  © Christoph Reichwein/dpa

According to the Vatican, more than 128,000 visitors have entered St. Peter's Basilica to pay their last respects to the dead Pope since he was laid out on Wednesday morning.

Francis will be laid out in the coffin until Friday evening before it is closed for the funeral service and burial on Saturday.