Final Farewell to the Pope: World Leaders Gather for a Historic Funeral

The pope will be laid to rest following a funeral Mass held in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. A variety of global leaders, including President Trump who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were in attendance, as confirmed by the White House.

Amidst geopolitical unrest and ongoing conflicts, thousands of Catholic faithful alongside numerous world leaders have gathered in Vatican City to pay tribute to the late pope. Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Trump, past President Joseph R. Biden Jr., and President Javier Milei of Argentina—the homeland of the pope.

A simple wooden coffin will serve as Francis’ final resting place after an open-air Mass, which saw attendance from royalty, international officials, and the public. A vehicle will carry Francis’s coffin to St. Mary Major, a papal basilica in Rome, for a private burial. His burial wishes, which epitomize his pastoral humility, included a modest grave marked simply with “Franciscus.”

Attention will soon shift to the election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals. The funeral service is steeped in tradition, featuring Gregorian chants and a congregation from around the globe, with proceedings held in several languages.