Rome, April 25, 2025 — Pope Francis funeral security measures – Security at the Vatican has reached unprecedented levels ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral, with Italian special forces deploying advanced “drone-killing” technology alongside the famously traditional Swiss Guard. The funeral, scheduled for Saturday in front of St Peter’s Basilica, is expected to draw over a million mourners and more than 170 global delegations, including political leaders, royals, and high-profile dignitaries.

This rare joint deployment of high-tech military forces and ceremonial troops highlights the Vatican’s commitment to securing the area from modern threats—especially the growing danger posed by drones.

Pope Francis funeral security measures High-Tech Anti-Drone Weapons Deployed at the Vatican

Italian soldiers carrying anti-drone jammer guns have taken positions around St Peter’s Square. The weapons, which resemble oversized rifles, are designed to disrupt the radio signals between a drone and its operator, forcing the drone to crash to the ground.

“It is a drone killer,” one soldier explained. “If we find a drone, we jam the signal and bring it down. It drops straight to the ground. We’ve trained with this for years, but never had to use it until now.”

The anti-drone gun, which weighs around 7–8 kilograms and measures roughly a meter long, has no identifiable markings. It’s painted matte black with a white panel at the front and is currently being used by both the army and air force. Soldiers were observed scanning the skies with binoculars, prepared to intercept any unauthorized UAVs entering the airspace.

A second type of drone-jamming weapon—described by onlookers as a “drone-buster” reminiscent of the Ghostbusters’ proton packs—has been deployed by the Italian Air Force near the square. This weapon features three barrels and connects to a heavy-duty external battery, providing high-powered disruption capabilities.

A No-Fly Zone Over Vatican City

To further protect the funeral service, a no-fly zone has been established over Vatican City. This measure is part of a broader counter-terrorism strategy influenced by lessons learned from modern warfare, particularly the widespread use of UAVs in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Drones have emerged as a low-cost, high-risk weapon favored by insurgent groups and lone actors, prompting a global rethink in security for major public events.

Given the symbolic and political weight of Pope Francis’s funeral—and the diverse range of global leaders attending—the potential for disruption has led Italian authorities to treat this as a top-tier security operation.

Swiss Guard: Ceremonial Appearance, Real Training

While the Swiss Guard may appear decorative in their Renaissance-era uniforms, they are in fact highly trained soldiers. Members must be Swiss nationals, at least 19 years old, and unmarried. Beyond their ceremonial duties, they undergo advanced tactical training, often in collaboration with Swiss special forces.

The Vatican also has its own internal police, the Corps of Gendarmerie, who work closely with Italian law enforcement to ensure the safety of visitors and dignitaries.

Pope Francis funeral security measures

Massive Security Operation Across Rome

Italian security forces have initiated one of the largest protective operations in recent memory. Snipers have taken up positions on rooftops, roads have been closed, and checkpoints have been established at metro and train stations. Even the River Tiber is being patrolled by police boats to monitor for suspicious activity.

An estimated 2,000 security agents, including the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza, are on duty. Reinforcements have been brought in from across Italy, and over 400 local traffic police are managing street closures around Vatican City.

In addition to official forces, 7,000 civilian volunteers have been deployed to distribute water and assist the massive influx of mourners. Medical staff, emergency responders, and crisis units are all on standby.

Who’s Attending Pope Francis’s Funeral?

Pope Francis’s funeral is set to be one of the most significant global gatherings of the year. Among those expected to attend:

• Donald Trump, former U.S. president
• Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
• Prince of Wales, representing the British royal family

These VIPs will be seated in reserved areas in front of St Peter’s Basilica. They will be joined by cardinals, bishops, interfaith leaders, and heads of state from across the globe. With 170 national delegations expected, security planning has been intricate and highly coordinated.

A Crowd of Over One Million Expected

Italian civil protection minister Nello Musumeci has said the government is preparing for more than a million attendees. By Wednesday night, tens of thousands had already begun gathering at the Vatican, with a five-hour queue forming to view the Pope lying in state.

The expected sunny weather is likely to draw even more mourners to the open-air ceremony. Giant video screens will line via della Conciliazione, the grand avenue leading to St Peter’s, ensuring that crowds far from the square can still witness the historic event.

Logistical Challenges and Global Attention

This funeral presents a unique logistical puzzle. Not only is it a state-level funeral for one of the world’s most influential religious leaders, but it’s also taking place on sovereign Vatican land within the heart of Rome.

While the Swiss Guard has jurisdiction within Vatican City, Italian forces must manage the surrounding infrastructure, crowd control, and national security. With millions on the ground and billions watching via live broadcast, flawless execution is expected.

The Bigger Picture: Religion, Security, and Technology – Pope Francis funeral security measures

The funeral of Pope Francis symbolizes not only a farewell to a globally respected leader but also a convergence of tradition and modernity. The presence of drone-disrupting weapons alongside centuries-old Swiss uniforms illustrates how security threats have evolved—and how institutions must adapt.

In an age where a single drone can carry an explosive payload, even the most sacred spaces are no longer immune from high-tech threats. The Vatican’s approach—integrating ceremonial honor with digital-age defense—may serve as a new model for religious and political events moving forward.

Pope Francis funeral security measures Final Thoughts

Pope Francis’s funeral will be a moment of global mourning and reflection, but also a showcase of how seriously governments are now treating aerial threats. With cutting-edge counter-drone weapons, coordinated forces, and massive civilian support, the world will witness not only the end of a papacy—but the beginning of a new era in event security. – Pope Francis funeral security measures