Rome came together on April 26 for an emotional farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. Over 200,000 people gathered early in the morning at St. Peter's Square and the Via della Conciliazione to attend the funeral, which was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The religious ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. (local time) with the departure of the casket from the Basilica of St. Peter, carried on shoulders to the altar located outdoors. An open Gospel was placed on the casket, symbolizing Francis' pastoral mission.
During the mass, their commitment to peace, attention to the poor, and closeness to the people were recalled. Prayers were spoken in several languages, including Chinese, a first at papal funerals.
The ceremony was attended by delegations from 148 countries, ten kings, and representatives from ten international organizations. Notably present were the kings of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia.
The presence of Donald Trump (U.S.) and Volodímir Zelenski (Ukraine) was also significant, as they held a brief private meeting in the basilica before the funeral began.
On Cuba's behalf, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel did not attend. Instead, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa traveled to Rome on Friday morning to lead the Island's delegation.
After the mass, the funeral procession began a six-kilometer journey through the heart of Rome, passing by iconic sites such as the Colosseum and the Via dei Fori Imperiali, until reaching the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There, the remains of Francisco will finally rest, as he had expressed his wish not to be buried in the Vatican crypt like his predecessors.
The burial took place in a private ceremony. Vatican News reported that the rite was conducted according to the prescriptions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, in the presence of those indicated in the relevant Notification from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations and the family of the deceased Pope.
Francisco, the Pope who wanted to stay close to his people, bids farewell to his adopted city on a final journey in full view of everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Francis' Funeral and Díaz-Canel's Absence
How many people attended Pope Francis's funeral in Rome?
More than 200,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square and the Via della Conciliazione to bid farewell to Pope Francis on April 26, 2025. The ceremony featured delegations from 148 countries and was an event of great magnitude, highlighting the influence and affection that the Pope had cultivated throughout his papacy.
Why didn't Miguel Díaz-Canel attend Pope Francis' funeral?
The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, did not travel to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, and instead, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa led the Cuban delegation. Although Díaz-Canel attended a mass in honor of the Pope in Havana and declared a period of official mourning in Cuba, the reason for his absence at the Vatican has not been publicly specified.
Where will the remains of Pope Francis rest?
The remains of Pope Francis will rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling his wish not to be buried in the Vatican crypt like his predecessors. The burial will take place in a private ceremony, following the guidelines established by the pontiff himself for a simple and faith-centered funeral.
Which world leaders attended Pope Francis's funeral?
The funeral of Pope Francis was attended by prominent world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. The kings of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia, along with other dignitaries, were also present. The meeting between Trump and Zelensky during the funeral highlighted the diplomatic significance of the event.
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