Multitudes Gather at the Vatican for Pope Francis' Farewell (Visual Coverage)
A somber gathering unfolds in Vatican City as the world bids a heartfelt adieu to Pope Francis. According to reports from our website, echoing CNN's coverage, the funeral mass occurs at St. Peter's Basilica, brimming with over 50 world leaders and 11 reigning monarchs.[1]
Notable attendees include Donald Trump, Javier Milei, Giorgia Meloni, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., among others. The streets of Rome come alive, as estimates suggest up to 250,000 citizens will gather on the basilica square, and another million line a six-kilometer procession route from the Vatican to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, eager to catch a fleeting glimpse of the Pope's humble coffin.[1]
In a notable televised event, over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide are expected to witness the farewell ceremony of history's first Latin American Pope.
The funeral procession commences at 13:00 local time, and you can catch it live on the Vatican News' YouTube channel.
Pope Francis expired at his Vatican residence on April 21, at the age of 88. His health struggles started on February 14, when he was hospitalized due to bronchitis. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, yet he recovered slightly on February 20.[1]
Possible causes for Pope Francis' demise have swirled, with Italian media suggesting it may have been a stroke.[1] Official confirmation came from Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, who stated that the Pontiff died from a stroke and irreversible heart failure, as noted on the Pontiff's death certificate.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, conveyed his condolences.
For comprehensive insight into the unfolding events in Vatican City following Pope Francis' passing, we invite you to explore here.[1]
Marking a significant departure from traditional papal ceremonies, Pope Francis' funeral service is scaled back to 90 minutes[1]. In a contrast to Pope John Paul II's three-hour funeral in 2005[1], this simplified approach reflects Francis' penchant for humility over opulence.
Diverging from a centuries-old tradition, Francis chose to bypass the three-coffin approach (cypress, lead, and oak) and opted for a more straightforward burial ritual.[1] Aligning with his reputation as the "people's Pope," the event prioritized accessibility, attracting 200,000 attendees and global leaders to St. Peter's Square rather than more exclusive settings.[1]
In a unique twist, Pope Francis actively planned key aspects before his passing, thereby reducing ceremonial elements and emphasizing modesty and reform in line with his values.[1]
- Crowds of over 250,000 citizens in Rome and another million along a six-kilometer route gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in his Vatican residence.
- The Vatican City witnessed a significant departure from traditional papal ceremonies, with Pope Francis' funeral service being scaled back to 90 minutes, a decision reflecting his penchant for humility over opulence.
- In contrast to Pope John Paul II's three-hour funeral in 2005, Pope Francis opted for a more straightforward burial ritual, diverging from the centuries-old tradition of the three-coffin approach.
- The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, conveyed his condolences following the demise of Pope Francis, who passed away due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
