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Memorial prayer held outside church where Pope Francis is to be buried

The prayer was led by Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City Pietro Parolin

ROME, April 23. /TASS/. A memorial prayer for Pope Francis was held outside the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Pontiff will be laid to rest on April 26.

The prayer was led by Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City Pietro Parolin.

Earlier, another prayer was held at Saint Peter's Square.

Those willing to pay the last respects to the Pope have begun to flock to Rome. The pontiff's body will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days. The public viewing will continue until the funeral, due Saturday.

Security measures were toughened in the Italian capital, with special attention paid to Saint Peter's Square and major transport junctions. The city’s airspace was declared a no-fly zone, and anti-drone systems have been activated.

Around 170 foreign delegations are expected to visit Rome on Saturday.

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