The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, is taking place today at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. This solemn event has drawn an enormous gathering of world leaders and mourners alike, as approximately 200,000 people have come to pay their final respects to the pontiff.
Pope Francis, remembered affectionately as 'the people's Pope,' succumbed to heart failure following a stroke. His funeral ceremony began at 10 AM CET (1:30 PM IST) and will culminate in his burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The event is expected to attract around 130 delegations, including roughly 50 heads of state and numerous dignitaries from various nations.
Among the notable attendees is the Prince of Wales, who is representing King Charles III. Kensington Palace confirmed that the King had met Pope Francis earlier in April during a visit to Rome, despite having recently been hospitalized due to his ongoing cancer treatment. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also attending, having expressed the profound grief shared by many for the Pope's passing.
US President Donald Trump confirmed his attendance, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump expressed his anticipation for the ceremony on his social media platform, stating, "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!" This comes despite their previous disagreements, particularly regarding immigration policies, which the Pope openly criticized.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met with Pope Francis multiple times, is also present at the funeral. He expressed his nation's sorrow, recalling how the Pope frequently prayed for peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron is attending as well, remarking on the Pope's compassion during times of war.
Notably, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei are also in attendance. Milei, despite having previously referred to the Pope in derogatory terms, expressed his sorrow over the Pope's death, stating, "Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me." This reflects the complex relationships world leaders often have with the pontiff.
The Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja are also present, paying tribute to the Pope's legacy of tolerance and love. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who called Francis a worldwide inspiration, confirmed her attendance alongside several other European leaders, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Spanish King Felipe VI.
However, not all leaders are present. Russian President Vladimir Putin is notably absent, a decision linked to an international arrest warrant against him. Instead, Russia will be represented by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova. Putin, who praised the Pope as a "defender of humanism" in a statement following his death, has not traveled to a Western country since the invasion of Ukraine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also not attending, with the country's ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, representing Israel instead. This absence follows a period of strained relations between Israel and the Vatican, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
China's participation remains uncertain, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating, "No information to share at the moment" when asked about their attendance. Despite this, a prayer in Chinese will be included in the funeral service, highlighting Pope Francis' efforts to foster dialogue with the Chinese government.
As the service progresses, the casket of Pope Francis will be transported on a modified vehicle used during his 2015 visit to the Philippines, allowing mourners to see it along the 4-kilometer route to his burial site. This marks a departure from recent customs, as he will be laid to rest in a simple tomb.
Throughout the week leading up to the funeral, over 250,000 mourners visited St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects, with the doors kept open overnight to accommodate the steady stream of visitors. The atmosphere has been one of collective mourning and reflection on the Pope's influence and teachings.
As world leaders gather in Rome to honor Pope Francis, the significance of this moment extends beyond the Catholic Church. It serves as a reminder of the pontiff's role as a unifying figure and a voice for compassion and dialogue in a world often divided by conflict.
The seating arrangements for the funeral are meticulously planned, with heads of state seated in French alphabetical order based on their country's name. The presidents of Italy and Argentina receive the most prominent positions due to the Pope's deep connections to both nations.
Despite the absence of some leaders, the funeral of Pope Francis stands as a testament to his impact on the world stage, bringing together figures from diverse backgrounds to commemorate a life dedicated to service, peace, and humanity.
