Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Solemn Ceremony at St. Peter’s Square

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Pope Francis was laid to rest today in a solemn and emotional ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, attended by an estimated 200,000 mourners, including numerous world leaders and dignitaries.

The funeral Mass, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, celebrated the late pontiff’s enduring legacy of humility, compassion, and advocacy for marginalized communities around the world.

Among the high-profile attendees were former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William, representing the British royal family. In a notable development, Trump and Zelenskyy held a brief meeting before the ceremony, which the White House later described as “very productive.”

Honoring Pope Francis’s personal wishes for simplicity, his wooden coffin was carried into the square without lavish fanfare. Representatives from marginalized groups, including the homeless and refugees, were present at the funeral, underscoring the late Pope’s lifelong commitment to inclusivity and social justice.

As the Catholic Church mourns the passing of its 266th pontiff, preparations are already underway for the upcoming conclave, where cardinals will gather to elect the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.