Donald Trump arrives in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral amid 'ring of steel' security

Donald Trump has arrived in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral amid a massive security operation.

The US president was seen emerging from Air Force One with wife Melania tonight before he joins Prime Minister , and a host of other dignitaries for antomorrow. Millions of pounds are being spent by the Italian government on a, including scores of armed police, anti-drone weapons and a no-fly zone enforced with fighter jets. A Vatican spokesperson has confirmed that priority for seating will be given Francis's birth country of , then Italy. Other world leaders will be seated "in alphabetical order, but in French language", followed by heads of state - meaning will be .

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Ahead of his arrival, confirmed Melania would be joining him, writing on Truth Social: "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!"

Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Nichols, who will take part in his first conclave to elect a new pope in the coming weeks, said funeral organisers in the Vatican are well-used to dealing with "big egos."

In an interview with the PA news agency in Rome, he said the funeral will be "without a doubt another masterpiece of stage management when you consider those state leaders who have high opinions of their importance".

He added: "In the past, I've seen it here over and over again that the combination of Rome and the Holy See, they actually are geniuses at dealing with these big events.

"I think they've been doing it since the emperors ruled Rome - that they know how to deal with big egos.

"And I think every leader of a nation that comes here on Saturday will go home reasonably content."

Over 130,000 people visited St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City between Wednesday morning and Friday evening to see the late pontiff lying in state, with organisers forced to keep the doors open through the night to deal with the larger-than-expected crowds.

After Saturday's open-air funeral in the square, Francis's body will be taken through the streets of Rome, in a break with tradition.

He will then be brought to a simple underground tomb in the basilica of Saint Mary Major, as per his instructions.

The Vatican said a group of "poor and needy" people will be present on the steps leading to the basilica to pay their last respects before the interment of the coffin, a nod to Francis' decades of work for people living in poverty.