Italy is preparing a massive security operation for Pope Francis' funeral, which is expected to attract thousands of mourners, including foreign dignitaries such as Donald Trump and Prince William. The operation involves a "ring of steel" around the Vatican, with NATO jets patrolling the skies, snipers stationed on rooftops, missile launchers deployed, and 8,000 security agents in place, including uniformed police officers and plainclothes agents. Anti-drone weaponry and jamming systems will be used to prevent aerial threats, while barriers have been erected around St. Peter's Basilica to control the crowds.

Pope Francis had an awkward meeting with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, just before his death on Easter Monday. The meeting was brief and lasted only a few minutes, during which they discussed Francis' criticism of the Trump administration's treatment of migrants. Despite their differences, Francis offered Vance three chocolate Easter eggs for his children, as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed their "heavy hearts" following the death of Pope Francis, saying they are deeply saddened but also somewhat comforted by the Pope's ability to share an Easter greeting with the Church before he passed away. The King praised Pope Francis for his compassion, tireless commitment to people of faith, and work on combating climate change.

Donald Trump and First Lady Melania kicked off the White House's Easter egg roll on the South Lawn, hours after Pope Francis passed away at the Vatican following a long health battle. In response to Pope Francis' death, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"