World Leaders Assemble in Vatican for Pope Francis' Funeral Today
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Synopsis
In a heartfelt gathering, world leaders, royalty, and religious figures congregated in St. Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His legacy marked a transformative papacy centered on humility and social justice.
Key Takeaways
- Global leaders gathered to honor Pope Francis.
- First Latin American pope passed away at 88.
- Funeral held at St. Peter’s Square.
- Pope to be buried in St. Mary Major basilica.
- Significant international representation at the event.
Vatican City, April 26 (NationPress) In a profound display of global condolences and respect, dignitaries from around the world, including royalty and religious leaders, convened on Saturday at St. Peter’s Square to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to a stroke.
The ceremonial funeral began at 10:00 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. IST) in the renowned Baroque plaza in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. His remains will be housed in a cypress-wood coffin initially and subsequently placed within two other coffins made of distinct types of wood for burial.
The Argentine-born pope, being the first from Latin America, died shortly after completing a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia. His death signifies the conclusion of a transformative papacy characterized by a focus on humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
Post the funeral mass, Pope Francis will be interred outside the Vatican at St. Mary Major, a basilica located in Rome. He will be the first pope in over five centuries to be laid to rest there.
President Droupadi Murmu is at the forefront of the Indian delegation in Rome, joined by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Joshua De Souza.
The Indian representatives are among more than 50 heads of state, 10 reigning monarchs, and 130 foreign delegations participating in Saturday’s solemn event.
Notable attendees include US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Argentinian President Javier Milei.
From the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William are present. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin is not in attendance, Russia has sent its Culture Minister as his representative.
In a notable development, China, which lacks formal diplomatic ties with the Vatican, allowed Cardinal Joseph Zen from Hong Kong to travel to Rome, highlighting the late Pope’s outreach endeavors.
Iran has sent a senior delegation alongside the Cardinal of Tehran-Isfahan, who is set to take part in the upcoming papal conclave.
The Vatican has confirmed that the date of the funeral was determined by Cardinals during a general congregation meeting, marking the initial step towards a conclave anticipated within three weeks to select a successor to Pope Francis.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Israel has dispatched a modest delegation amid strained relations over the late Pope’s views on the recent conflict involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
