World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis's Funeral: President Murmu, Trump, Zelenskyy offer heartfelt tributes
Pope Francis Gets a Humble Farewell in Rome
In an unusual twist, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, will be laid to rest outside the Vatican in the heart of Rome, at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This is a break from the centuries-long tradition of papal burials under St. Peter's Basilica.
A Final resting Place Outside the Vatican Walls
Heavily inspires by his devotion to the Virgin Mary and a desire to buck the conventional papal burial norms, Pope Francis requested a modest tomb at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a choice that mirrors the humility that marked his papacy. Factoring in his wishes, this fifth-century church, which already has the tombs of seven previous popes and houses the revered Salus Populi Romani icon, a Marian symbol he admired, was the perfect fit.
Throngs of People Gather to Pay Tribute
Over 250,000 mourners waited patiently in line for hours at the Vatican to pay their respects to the late Pope over the last three days. With his passing, an era comes to an end, as he was the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church.
A Unique Assembly of World Leaders and Royals
The funeral attracted a diverse array of global leaders like US President Donald Trump, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Britain's Prince William. In all, 54 heads of state and 12 ruling royals were present to pay homage to Pope Francis, setting aside political differences in a show of mutual respect.
A Final Message of Hope
Despite battling double pneumonia, Pope Francis appeared on Easter Sunday, blessing the faithful in his wheelchair. Encouraging messages were his trademark, and his last social media post, just a day before he passed, echoed that sentiment with an appeal for hope:
"Christ is risen! This proclamation carries the entire meaning of our existence, which is not meant for death but for life. #Easter."
As the traditional funeral rituals wind down, the world bids adieu to a Pope who championed global peace, religious liberty, and humility throughout his reign.
[1] [Enrichment Data Source 1][2] [Enrichment Data Source 2][3] [Enrichment Data Source 3]
Crowds gathered to pay their respects to Pope Francis at the Vatican, with over 250,000 mourners waiting patiently in line for hours, reflecting the significant influence he had on people.
The burial of Pope Francis will be a unique display, as he has chosen to be laid to rest outside the Vatican at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a choice that embodies his characteristic humility and devotion to the Virgin Mary.
The funeral of Pope Francis attracted an assembly of world leaders and royals, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Britain's Prince William. This shows the general-news significance of Pope Francis, as he was the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church and was revered by many for his message of hope.
