In brief
A historic gathering in St. Peter's Square saw heads of state, monarchs, and notable figures come together to pay their respects at the funeral of Pope Francis.
April 26, 2025, 9:20 a.m. ETThe funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday was a moment of global unity, drawing thousands to St. Peter’s Square, where prominent world leaders and royals bid farewell to the beloved pontiff. Among the attendees were former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who occupied prime seating alongside Argentine President Javier Milei.The ceremony adhered to Vatican protocol, placing monarchs, such as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, at the forefront, followed by heads of state organized in alphabetical order by their countries’ names in French. The notable presence of various leaders, including Kenya's President William Ruto and India’s President Droupadi Murmu, underscored the Pope’s international influence, particularly in regions where Catholicism continues to flourish.A touching moment came when President Zelensky was met with applause from the crowds gathered, signifying solidarity amidst ongoing conflicts in his country. In a more personal tribute, Julian Assange, recently freed from imprisonment, also attended with his family, expressing their gratitude for the Pope’s support during his difficulties through a social media statement shared by his wife, Stella Assange.The ceremony exemplified not only the deep respect held for Pope Francis across the globe but also highlighted his profound impact on leaders and communities around the world. Lynsey Chutel, a reporter based in London, contributed to this coverage, capturing the essence of this historic event.
