Heads of State, Dignitaries, and World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome
Heads of State, Dignitaries, and World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’ Funeral in RomeWritten by SpringNewsNG Media Limited, April 25, 2025
VATICAN CITY (AP) — World leaders and dignitaries will begin arriving in Rome on Friday to pay their respects to Pope Francis at his funeral, set to take place in the iconic St. Peter’s Square. Among the notable figures set to attend are U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei, who are both expected to participate in the somber occasion honoring the late pontiff.
As Pope Francis’ coffin lies in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica, a poignant moment will also occur across town in a smaller basilica, where a group of poor individuals will gather to meet the casket. This simple and humble farewell reflects the late pope’s own ethos, marked by his commitment to the marginalized and his disdain for lavish displays of wealth and ceremony.
On Friday, the final day of Pope Francis’ public lying in state, the Vatican announced that 130 delegations from around the world will be attending, with 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs among the mourners. The pontiff, who led the Catholic Church with an emphasis on humility and social justice, will be laid to rest in a ceremony that mirrors the values he upheld throughout his papacy.
Pope Francis, who passed away after leading the Church for over a decade, leaves behind a legacy of compassion, simplicity, and a powerful message of inclusivity. His funeral will be one of the most significant global events in recent years, marking the end of an era for the Vatican and the world.
As the world unites to honor him, Pope Francis’ final resting place will be a testament to the lives he touched, and his enduring influence on both the Catholic Church and the global community.
