Worldwide condolences poured in following the demise of Pope Franciscus, with St. Peter's Square arranging a historic funeral.
Pope Francis's Farewell: A Global Gathering
The passing of the groundbreaking Pope Francis, the first South American pontiff, sent shockwaves worldwide. At the ripe age of 88, he breathed his last after a stroke, triggering a sea of global mourning and tributes, including one from former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite their notable ideological friction, particularly on immigration policies.
On Friday night, Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania touched down in Rome at around 9:00 pm GMT, sparking speculation about potential off-the-record discussions on the sidelines of the funeral, potentially with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has openly disagreed with Trump's recent decision to increase tariffs on European goods.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also graced the Italian city early Saturday to pay his respects, but it remains undecided whether he would hold talks with his American counterpart during his visit.
The emotional send-off happens this Saturday at 8:00 AM GMT within the iconic St. Peter's Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, leading the Mass. Due to the colossal crowd, giant video screens have been erected along Via della Conciliazione, providing a broader view for the thousands left out.
During the week, over 250,000 pilgrims from across the globe queued hours on end to bid farewell to Pope Francis, lying in state within St. Peter's Basilica. The massive turnout caused the Vatican to extend the Basilica's operating hours to cater to the mourners. Among them was Sofia Bobkova, a 19-year-old devotee from Kyrgyzstan, who commended the Pope for championing the cause of the marginalized.
Elected to the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis earned a reputation for his steadfast support of peace, unwavering advocacy for migrants, and unyielding empathy towards the disenfranchised. His humble demeanor, kindness, and straightforward speech-occasionally controversial-earned him acclaim from millions, even non-Catholics, positioning him as a moral compass amid escalating global turmoil.
On Friday evening, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Secretary of State, led a private rite to seal Pope Francis's coffin. The conclave, responsible for choosing Francis's successor, has yet to be organized, but is expected to begin on May 5. A massive seating arrangement has been prepared for 224 cardinals, over 750 bishops and priests, and representatives of various faiths, symbolizing the late pontiff's enduring commitment to interfaith dialogue.
International luminaries attending the funeral include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Russia is represented by Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, standing in for President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Southern American presidents Javier Milei and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, representing the Pope's regional origins, are also present. Royal figures such as King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, King Letsie III of Lesotho, and Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco have graced the event with their presence.
Rest assured, secured measures are in place for the ceremony. Italian and Vatican police are in full force, executing thorough security checks, monitoring all access points, and installing X-ray scanners. A flight ban has been imposed over Rome, and anti-drone units armed with signal-jamming devices are on standby. Military jets are prepared, and snipers are strategically positioned on rooftops around the Vatican perimeter.
Once the Mass concludes, the Pope's coffin will be transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a historic church on the opposite side of the Tiber River, where he has chosen to be laid to rest. The fifth-century basilica, which houses several former popes, was a cherished place of prayer for Francis, who often visited before and after international expeditions. His simple marble tomb, nestled near the altar, will be engraved with the Latin inscription: "Franciscus."
Mourners, including international leaders and ordinary pilgrims, have gathered for the installation of cardinal chairs in Vatican's St. Peter's Square, symbolizing the late Pope Francis's commitment to interfaith dialogue. The event, which follows Pope Francis's passing, has drawn attention from global news, as well as political figures like Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who have slammed Trump's politics over tariffs. As the Mass proceeds, security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful ceremony, with restrictive measures like flight bans and armed anti-drone units in place.
