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World Leaders and Thousands Gather at Vatican for Historic Funeral of Pope Francis, Marking a Momentous Farewell to the Catholic Church’s Late Leader

Image courtesy of media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com

Key takeaways:

  • The funeral of Pope Francis took place at St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and followed traditional papal funeral rites.
  • The event attracted numerous world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, and filled St. Peter’s Square to its 50,000-person capacity.
  • Pope Francis’s funeral, broadcast globally, included personal touches chosen by him, and was attended by notable figures like Britain’s Prince William.

Pope Francis’s funeral commenced shortly after 10 a.m. local time at the Vatican, taking place outside St. Peter’s Basilica. The service adhered to the Vatican’s liturgical book for papal funeral rites, a tradition steeped in centuries of church history. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.

The event drew numerous world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who joined the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The square reached its full capacity of 50,000 people, leading to its closure to the public. The funeral service, held on a Saturday morning, marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church as it bids farewell to its late leader.

Following the funeral, Pope Francis is set to be buried in Rome. While the ceremony followed many established traditions, some elements were uniquely chosen by Pope Francis himself, reflecting his personal touch on the proceedings. The event was broadcast live, allowing people worldwide to witness the historic occasion.

Among the notable attendees was Britain’s Prince William, who arrived ahead of the ceremony. The funeral of Pope Francis is a momentous event, drawing attention from across the globe and highlighting the enduring influence of the Catholic Church and its leaders.

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