Authorities in Rome are getting ready for an influx of pilgrims travelling to pay their final respects to Pope Francis ahead of his funeral on Saturday.
Italy’s state railways company Ferrovie dello Stato has put together a plan to manage the spike in demand, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reports, external.
Long-distance connections and travel to and from airports will be increased. Italy’s civil protection agency will also help with logistics.
Large crowds have been visiting St Peter’s Square over the last 24 hours and more are expected over the coming days as the Pope’s body lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday.
The latest images coming through show the arrival of cardinals, as well as people carrying crosses and reciting prayers.
Russian news agency Tass is reporting President Vladimir Putin doesn’t plan to attend Pope Francis’s funeral, citing the Kremlin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
According to the state-run agency, Peskov has told journalists “the president has no such plans” to travel to Vatican City for Saturday’s service.
He adds no decision has been made on who would represent Russia at the funeral service.