Pope Francis, who served as the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, sadly passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His funeral, held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday, April 26, drew religious leaders, royals, presidents, and mourners from across the globe. Security for the event was among the tightest the Vatican had ever seen, ensuring the safety of high-profile attendees and the hundreds of thousands who gathered to pay their respects.
Mysterious Weapons Spark Online Speculation
Amid the sea of mourning, sharp-eyed observers noticed something unusual — military personnel equipped with large, futuristic-looking firearms. Videos and images of these devices quickly circulated on social media, sparking wild speculation. Some compared them to weapons from video games like Halo, while others joked that the soldiers looked ready to “jet wash” the arriving limousines. The footage, originally shared by Argentine journalist Elisabetta Piqué, amassed millions of views and prompted widespread curiosity about what exactly these imposing weapons were.
The Reality: Anti-Drone Technology
Despite their intimidating appearance, these “futuristic” devices were not traditional firearms at all. They were Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), more commonly known as anti-drone guns. These devices are designed to disable drones by jamming their signals, forcing them to land or crash safely without causing additional harm. An Italian soldier explained to The Telegraph that one version of the anti-drone gun weighed about seven to eight kilograms and featured a black body with a white plate at the front. He described it as a “frequency jammer,” a critical tool for neutralizing any unauthorized aerial threats.
Given the high-profile nature of the funeral, the Vatican enforced a strict no-fly zone, bolstered by NATO fighter jets patrolling the airspace above. The anti-drone guns provided an essential additional layer of defense on the ground.
Unprecedented Security Measures
The security operation surrounding Pope Francis’ funeral was described by authorities as “extraordinary.” Snipers were stationed on rooftops, helicopters hovered overhead, and bomb squads and canine units were deployed throughout the Vatican City.
Ciriaco Sarnelli, the chief of Italy’s Carabinieri military police, emphasized the complexity of the event, noting that the force had to be prepared for both ordinary crimes, such as pickpocketing, and more serious threats. Rome Police spokeswoman Elisabetta Accardo highlighted that Italy had not managed a security operation of this magnitude in “hundreds of years.”
A Gathering of World Leaders and Royals
Among the notable attendees were U.S. President Donald Trump, former U.S. President Joe Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Other dignitaries included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. European royalty was also heavily represented, with figures such as Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, and Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon in attendance. Even Australia was represented through Governor-General Sam Mostyn, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remained at home ahead of the upcoming election.
A Humble Final Resting Place
In line with his final wishes, Pope Francis’ burial departed from traditional Vatican customs. Instead of being interred beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, he requested to be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His simple burial included a handwritten “Rogito,” a bag of minted coins, and key papal documents placed alongside him in his coffin. Pope Francis, affectionately remembered as a “simple and much-loved shepherd,” concluded his earthly journey in a place close to his heart — a Marian sanctuary he often visited for prayer during his pontificate.
Conclusion: Security and Simplicity
The use of anti-drone guns at Pope Francis’ funeral symbolizes the intersection of modern security needs with ancient traditions. As mourners honored a pope known for his humility and compassion, the unprecedented security ensured that the historic occasion could proceed safely and peacefully. The legacy of Pope Francis — marked by love, humility, and service — will continue to resonate long after the final prayers have been said.
