World Leaders Gather in Rome to Pay Final Respects at Pope Francis’ Funeral
IIE Digital Desk : The funeral of Pope Francis, held today in St. Peter’s Square, drew an unprecedented gathering of global leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of mourners from around the world. The ceremony, which commenced at 10 a.m. local time, was a poignant tribute to the first Latin American pope, who passed away at the age of 88.
Among the notable attendees were U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who arrived in Rome aboard Air Force One. President Trump’s presence marked a significant moment, as he was the first sitting U.S. president to attend a papal funeral in over two decades. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska also participated, reflecting the global significance of the event. French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among other heads of state present. Former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attended as well, underscoring the bipartisan respect for the late pontiff.
The British royal family was represented by Prince William, who attended on behalf of King Charles III. Other monarchs in attendance included King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Notably, Pope Francis will be interred in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, marking the first time in over a century that a pope will not be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. This decision was made following Vatican protocols and reflects the pontiff’s wishes.
The ceremony was presided over by Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Traditional rites were observed, including the reading of the Gospel and the offering of prayers for the repose of the pope’s soul. The funeral Mass was attended by an estimated 200,000 people, both inside and outside St. Peter’s Square, with many more watching via live broadcasts worldwide.
The presence of such a diverse array of leaders highlighted Pope Francis’s impact on global affairs. Known for his advocacy on issues such as climate change, poverty, and interfaith dialogue, his death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church. His legacy of humility, inclusivity, and a deep concern for the marginalized has left a profound impact on the faithful, with individuals expressing gratitude for how he bridged modern values with religious tradition.
While the ceremony was marked by a spirit of unity and respect, some notable absences were observed. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend, with no official reasons provided. Additionally, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was represented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, as he remained in Australia due to the federal election entering its final week. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did not attend, citing ongoing election duties.
The Vatican will enter a period of nine days of Masses known as the Novemdiales. This period will culminate in a conclave to elect the next pope, a process that is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The election of a new pontiff will be a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as it seeks to continue the work initiated by Pope Francis.
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