Stricter Dress Code at Farewell of Pope Francis

Men must wear a dark suit at the funeral of Pope Francis, along with a long black tie and a black button on the left lapel of the jacket. Women are required to wear a long black dress, black gloves, and a headscarf. Only one piece of jewelry is allowed: a pearl necklace around the neck.

Strict Dress Code Also for Pilgrims in the Vatican

As a religious state, the Vatican is strict, even regarding the dress code for pilgrims. Both men and women who want to enter St. Peter's Basilica to bid farewell to Pope Francis must cover their knees and upper arms. Visitors are prohibited from wearing sleeveless or low-cut tops. If wearing a skirt, dress, or shorts, they must end below the knee. Tattoos are generally allowed. However, individuals with tattoos that could be considered offensive to Catholic morals, the Catholic religion, or general decency may be denied entry to St. Peter's Basilica. This also applies to jewelry, symbols, and slogans on clothing. Pilgrims are expected to remove their hats before entering St. Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums. Wearing a hat indoors is considered bad manners. Inside churches, only men are required to remove their head coverings.

Funeral of Pope Francis: Strict Rules Also for Seating Arrangement

A rigorous protocol is also followed regarding seating at the mourning ceremony in St. Peter's Square. Hundreds of heads of state and government, as well as monarchs and cardinals, are expected in Rome for the mourning ceremony in St. Peter's Square, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP).

The protocol stipulates that the front seats at the funeral are allocated to the presidents of Italy and Argentina (the home country of the deceased pope) and their delegations. The Italian delegation is the largest. It consists of President Sergio Mattarella accompanied by his daughter Laura, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the presidents of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, and the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, as well as several ministers.

Following them are the reigning Catholic monarchs, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, and then the reigning non-Catholic kings. Then it continues with the heads of state in alphabetical order in the diplomatic language French. The civil authorities sit on the right side facing St. Peter's Basilica. The cardinals will all be lined up in front of the entrance to the basilica, it was announced in the Vatican.

(APA/Red)

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