Pope Francis Wanted a Small Funeral—He's Getting Fighter Jets and Drone-Busters Instead

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Pope Francis had one last humble wish—a simple, small funeral. But the scale of the operation currently underway in Vatican City tells a very different story.

As thousands of mourners and world leaders prepare to bid farewell to the pontiff in St. Peter’s Basilica, the event has transformed into one of the most complex and high-security gatherings the modern world has seen—on par with royal funerals and presidential inaugurations.

A Humble Request, Overshadowed by Reality

Before his passing, Pope Francis emphasized his desire for a quiet, "simple" ceremony without particular decoration. This aligned with his mission throughout his papacy: to strip away excess and reconnect the Roman Catholic Church with ordinary people.

But the sheer magnitude of his influence, the current global security climate, and the expected presence of over 200 VIPs including heads of state, meant that simplicity had to give way to caution.

Security Operation of an Unprecedented Scale

Security experts say this funeral is anything but straightforward.

"This is what I would call a 'Grade A' event," said Dai Davies, a former UK police commander who once led royal protection. "Think the Queen’s funeral, the Olympics, the U.S. presidential inauguration. It’s right up there."

According to Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, the funeral will draw an estimated 200,000 people, including major global political figures like President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

8,000+ Security Forces on Duty

Vatican City, though only 0.19 square miles in size, will become one of the most fortified places on Earth for the funeral. Over 8,000 security personnel will be deployed across Rome and the Vatican, including:

• 2,000 uniformed police officers

• 1,400 plainclothes officers

• Snipers positioned on rooftops

• NATO fighter jets enforcing a strict no-fly zone

• Anti-aircraft systems and naval warships on standby

Perhaps most eye-catching are soldiers armed with anti-drone bazookas, capable of disabling unauthorized UAVs via electromagnetic interference.

Swiss Guards and Global Protection Teams Unite

The 135 Swiss Guards, renowned for their colorful uniforms and elite training in close combat and bomb disposal, will be supported by international protection teams from every attending delegation.

Each nation’s security team will be paired with designated local units to ensure seamless communication—a logistical feat, considering the scale.

"Reliable communication among hundreds of teams on the ground is critical," said Steven Ricciardi, a former U.S. Secret Service agent.

Behind the Scenes: Tech, Telecom, and Sabotage Prevention

While uniformed officers and snipers make the headlines, much of the crucial work is invisible. According to Ty Richmond, head of Allied Universal, specialists will be monitoring:

• Power grids

• Cell networks

• Emergency broadcast systems

Their job? Preventing sabotage—anything from jamming communication signals to coordinated cyberattacks.

Papal Funeral and Burial: Departing from Tradition

The Pope’s funeral procession will conclude with his wooden coffin being transported to Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Unlike past popes, Pope Francis will not be buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, breaking centuries-old tradition.

But even after the burial, the security operation won’t wind down. All eyes will turn to the conclave, the highly secretive process in which the College of Cardinals elects the next pope.

The Conclave: Unshaken Even by Crisis

A new pope must be chosen—even if disaster strikes.

"The election of a pope can be interrupted, but it cannot be stopped," said Jeffrey Guhin, professor at UCLA. If a newly elected pope were to pass away during the conclave, the process would continue without delay.

Author Robert Harris, whose thriller The Conclave depicts a terrorist attack during the papal election, noted the resilience built into Vatican protocol: "It’s all there laid out in the rules. Voting continues—no matter what."

Security Lessons from Royals and Olympians

Richard Broadhurst, who oversaw security for the 2012 London Olympics and Prince William's 2011 wedding, noted a silver lining: "The pontiff is no longer a living target. That removes one major threat."

Still, challenges abound. The short notice of the funeral presents both advantages and risks. While bad actors have less time to plan, security teams have limited time to execute.

“You manipulate the environment,” said Ricciardi. “Tents, tunnels, plants, or even strategically parked buses—all to block line-of-sight for potential shooters.”

Trump's Entourage: A Challenge in Itself

Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend, adding another layer of complexity. Known for its scale, the U.S. presidential security convoy is always a logistical challenge, according to Broadhurst.

“Wherever the U.S. president goes, expect big complications. That convoy alone is a small army,” he said.

Other high-profile attendees include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Prince William, British Prime Minister, and former President Joe Biden with First Lady Jill Biden.

The Irony of it All

Security veteran Davies perhaps summed it up best:

“Poor old pope. He wanted a ‘small’ funeral. He’s not getting one.”

Despite his wish for humility, Pope Francis' final farewell will be a grand, heavily guarded global spectacle—a testament not only to his impact on the Church and the world but also to the turbulent times in which we now say goodbye.