World Leaders Gather in Vatican for Pope Francis’s Funeral on April 26, 2025
Vatican City, April 26, 2025 – Global dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are attending the funeral of Pope Francis today in St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican confirmed 130 delegations, with 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, are present to honor the late pontiff.
Heads of state began arriving in Rome on Friday, with Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Argentine President Javier Milei among those arriving as Pope Francis’s body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Reflecting the pope’s humility, a group of poor and marginalized individuals will pay respects at St. Mary Major Basilica, where his body will be buried following the funeral. The marble tombstone, inscribed simply with “Franciscus” in Latin, has been prepared in accordance with his wishes.
The funeral follows nine days of public mourning, with the conclave to elect a new pope set to begin no earlier than May 5. Cardinals have started gathering in Rome, with 113 meeting on Thursday to discuss church matters, resuming discussions on Friday.
Notable Attendees:
- Asia: India’s President Droupadi Murmu, Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos.
- Americas: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja, Honduras’ President Xiomara Castro.
- Europe: Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Denmark’s Queen Mary, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, UK’s Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among others.
- Middle East: Israel’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman.
- Africa: Cape Verde’s President Jose Maria Neves, Central African Republic’s President Faustin-Archange Touadera.
- United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The funeral underscores Pope Francis’s legacy of humility and focus on the marginalized, with ceremonies blending solemnity and simplicity as the world bids farewell to the beloved pontiff.
