World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral

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World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City is set to be a historic event, drawing over 200,000 mourners and 164 international delegations, including 54 heads of state and 12 reigning monarchs. Notable attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The ceremony reflects Pope Francis’ commitment to humility and simplicity, with a modest funeral procession and burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

People pay their respect to the late Pope Francis who will lie in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday, at the Vatican, Thursday April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis’ Funeral: A Global Farewell

Event Details: The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
Attendees: 164 delegations, including 54 heads of state and 12 reigning monarchs, are confirmed to attend. Notable figures include U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Public Mourning: Over 150,000 people have paid their respects as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Security Measures: Italy has deployed more than 2,500 police officers and 1,500 soldiers to ensure the safety of the event.
Burial Site: In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, near an icon of the Madonna he cherished.

People attend a rosary prayer outside the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where the late Pope Francis will be buried, in Rome, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral

Deep Look

The funeral of Pope Francis marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church and the world. Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, the ceremony is expected to draw over 200,000 mourners and 164 international delegations, including 54 heads of state and 12 reigning monarchs.

Among the prominent attendees are U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Their presence underscores the global impact of Pope Francis’ papacy and the respect he garnered across political and cultural divides.

In the days leading up to the funeral, over 150,000 individuals have paid their respects as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. The basilica has remained open for extended hours to accommodate the influx of mourners, reflecting the deep connection many felt with the pontiff.

Security measures have been heightened to ensure the safety of attendees. Italy has deployed more than 2,500 police officers and 1,500 soldiers, and additional precautions include road closures and surveillance enhancements.

Pope Francis’ commitment to humility and simplicity is evident in the funeral arrangements. He will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a departure from the tradition of papal burials at St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects his desire to be laid to rest near an icon of the Madonna he deeply revered.

The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Following the funeral, the conclave to elect the next pope is expected to commence after the nine-day mourning period concludes on May 5.