World leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of mourners have begun arriving at St Peter’s Square in Rome to bid a final farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88.
The open-air requiem mass is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. UK time, drawing a global audience both in-person and online. About 500,000 people are expected to fill the historic square for the solemn occasion.
Among the prominent figures in attendance are U.S. President Donald Trump, his predecessor Joe Biden, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the Prince of Wales. Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with First Lady Olena Zelenska, are also present. Zelensky’s attendance had been uncertain until Saturday morning, due to travel disruptions caused by airstrikes in Kyiv.
Pope Francis’ body had been lying in state in St Peter’s Basilica for three days, allowing nearly 250,000 mourners to pay their respects before his coffin was formally sealed in a private ceremony on Friday. His death came just hours after he had greeted worshippers during Easter celebrations, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Church until his final moments.
The atmosphere at St Peter’s Square is one of deep reverence and collective mourning. Speaking to the Associated Press, nuns who arrived early described the late pontiff as “a saintly man” and “a man of peace, who wanted peace for the whole world.”
Sister Nilma Navarro from the Philippines recalled Pope Francis as “the most humble person I have ever met,” praising his commitment not only to the Catholic Church but also to interfaith unity.
Pilgrims from around the world also flocked to the Vatican. Miguel Vaca, who traveled from Peru, shared his admiration: “He was a very charismatic pope, very human, very kind.”
Today’s funeral mass marks a historic moment as the world bids farewell to a leader whose message of peace, humility, and compassion transcended religious and national boundaries.
