A host of world leaders and dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have gathered at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to heart failure following a stroke. Around 200,000 mourners are attending the funeral ceremony, which began at 10 am CET (1:30 pm IST), before Pope Francis is laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome. From India, President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian, along with Goa’s Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza, are representing the nation at the solemn event. Notably, Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are joined by former President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, reflecting a rare bipartisan attendance for the ceremony.
Leading figures from Europe such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have also arrived to pay homage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presence further highlights the Pope’s significant influence across conflicted regions. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are absent from the proceedings, as both face international arrest warrants linked to alleged war crimes. Other notable dignitaries include Bangladesh Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentine President Javier Milei, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The funeral procession includes a final tribute ride through a 4-kilometre route from St Peter’s Basilica to the burial site, with the Pope’s casket placed on a special vehicle he once used during his 2015 Philippines visit. Known for his deep connection with the people, this open journey allows mourners a last glimpse of the beloved leader. Over 250,000 visitors have already passed through St Peter’s Basilica this week, many waiting overnight to pay their respects. Unlike recent papal traditions, Pope Francis chose a modest burial in the Basilica of St Mary Major, marking the end of a historic papacy remembered for compassion, reform, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
