World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’s Historic Funeral at St Peter’s Square

Hundreds of thousands of mourners, including world leaders, Catholic officials, and dignitaries, are attending the funeral of Pope Francis today at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The funeral has become one of the most significant global gatherings in recent history, drawing leaders from across continents to pay their final respects to the beloved pontiff.

Among those attending are US President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Prince William is representing King Charles III, maintaining a tradition of royal attendance at papal funerals.

President William Ruto of Kenya also arrived early to join the distinguished list of attendees, underlining Kenya’s strong Catholic ties and respect for the Pope’s global influence.

Other notable figures include Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The funeral arrangements place the heads of state of Argentina and Italy in the front rows, followed by other reigning monarchs and leaders seated in alphabetical order, in French.

The presence of so many leaders reflects Pope Francis’s global impact. Although his strong stances on social justice, migration, and peace sometimes placed him at odds with political figures, today’s gathering shows a universal respect for his compassionate leadership.

As tributes continue to pour in, leaders have praised the Pope for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and his unwavering calls for peace and dialogue in a divided world.

In other news:President Ruto Arrives in Rome for Pope Francis’s Burial Ceremony

World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’s Historic Funeral at St Peter’s Square