Key Facts:
Over 250,000 mourners, including clergy, political leaders, and worshippers, gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26 to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The funeral service, which began shortly after 10 a.m. local time, lasted over two hours and was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, a senior figure in the Catholic Church. The ceremony featured hymns, a heartfelt sermon, and a final farewell to Pope Francis, the first pontiff from South America.
Following the service, the pope’s modest casket was transported across the Tiber River in a white papal vehicle and placed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s most prominent landmarks.
The funeral drew an unprecedented number of global leaders, with delegations from 130 countries in attendance. Notable figures included Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Prince William of the United Kingdom, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event marked one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in recent years.
Before the ceremony, Trump and Zelensky held a brief meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica. According to statements from their respective spokespersons, the 15-minute discussion was described as “productive,” with both leaders agreeing to continue dialogue in the future.
Security measures in Rome were heightened for the occasion, with over 2,000 police officers, snipers, and specialized units deployed. Additionally, 400 traffic officers worked in shifts to manage the influx of visitors, according to local authorities.
Cardinal Re delivered a poignant eulogy, praising Pope Francis for his compassionate leadership and unwavering advocacy for peace. He highlighted the late pope’s efforts to support war-torn communities in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and South Sudan, emphasizing his enduring commitment to peace until his final days.
The funeral also attracted a significant number of young attendees, including pilgrims from Indonesia, the United States, the Philippines, and France. While some progressive supporters felt Pope Francis’s reforms were insufficient, many acknowledged his transformative impact on the Catholic Church and his lasting legacy for its 1.4 billion followers.
Over 250,000 mourners, including clergy, political leaders, and worshippers, gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26 to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The funeral, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, began shortly after 10 a.m. local time and lasted over two hours. The ceremony included hymns, a moving sermon, and a final farewell to the first South American pope.
Following the service, Pope Francis’s simple casket was transported in a white papal vehicle across the Tiber River to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a prominent Roman landmark.
The event drew delegations from 130 countries, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Prince William of the United Kingdom, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump and Zelensky held a brief 15-minute meeting before the ceremony, described as “productive” by their spokespersons.
Rome heightened security for the occasion, deploying over 2,000 police officers, snipers, and specialized units, along with 400 traffic officers.
Cardinal Re praised Pope Francis’s dedication to peace, highlighting his advocacy for war-torn regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Young pilgrims from countries such as Indonesia, the United States, and France also attended, reflecting the late pope’s global influence.
