Pope Francis' funeral: Politicians, celebrities, and religious figures bid farewell in St. Peter's
This Saturday, April 26, 2025, five days after the death of Pope Francis , world leaders, members of the Catholic Church and thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to pay tribute to Jorge Mario Bergoglio , the Pope who defined an era.
The ceremony began early in the morning, under strict security measures. More than 250,000 people packed St. Peter's Square, while a moving funeral Mass was celebrated inside the Basilica, led by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell.
At the end of the religious service, the Pope's body was transported in a popemobile-style car to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore , where he will rest permanently, in accordance with the wishes expressed in his will.
This burial will mark nine days of mourning in the Vatican, a traditional process that will conclude with the start of the conclave to elect the new Vicar of Christ.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSpectacular aerial view of St. Peter's Square at this moment #FuneralpapaRTVE https://t.co/KTeo3sszp8 pic.twitter.com/zkyeLiBtWP
— RTVE News (@rtvenoticias) April 26, 2025
Pope Francis's funeral became a state event of global proportions. Rome was sealed off in anticipation of the arrival of some 200 international delegations .
Among the attendees were:
- Donald Trump and Melania Trump , former president and first lady of the United States.
- Alar Karis , President of Estonia.
- Felipe VI and Letizia , kings of Spain.
- Daniel Noboa , President of Ecuador.
- Joe Biden , former president of the United States, who arrived early to take his place in the basilica.
- Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska , representing Ukraine.
🇪🇸🇻🇦The King and Queen of Spain attend the state funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Queen in strict mourning with a mantilla, a gray pearl brooch from Joyas de Pasar, and Australian pearl earrings.
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/kHPbccYOD3
The event was also attended by figures from European royal families. Charlene and Albert of Monaco stood out for their sober and respectful attire, while Mathilde and Philippe of Belgium were among the first to confirm their participation. On behalf of the United Kingdom, William of England attended as a representative, following the protocol that reserves the main seats for heads of state.
St. Peter's Square, transformed into a symbol of unity and faith, was the scene of one of the most attended papal funerals in modern history. The atmosphere, charged with respect and devotion, reflected the affection and admiration that the faithful, political and religious leaders feel for the man who dedicated his life to the service of others. Now, after the burial, the Catholic world enters a crucial moment as it awaits the conclave that will define the future of the Church.
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