World leaders gather in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral

Thousands of mourners and dozens of world leaders are attending the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, following his death at age 88.

Dozens of world leaders and thousands of mourners are gathering for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

The funeral Mass is taking place on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the Catholic Church’s most sacred sites, with more than 50 world leaders and 11 reigning monarchs attending.

U.S. President Donald Trump is in Rome for the ceremony — his first foreign trip of his second term. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also arrived in Rome, his spokesman confirmed.

Pope Francis died after suffering a stroke just one day after he appeared in the same square to offer a blessing to the faithful at the high point of the Christian calendar.

Over the past three days, more than 250,000 people have filed past the pope’s body, which was laid out in a coffin before the altar inside the vast, 16th-century St. Peter’s Basilica.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, accompanied by his daughter and Italy’s First Lady Laura Mattarella, arrived solemnly at St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral Mass for Pope Francis. The president's presence reflected the nation's deep mourning and enduring connection with the Vatican.

Britain was represented by Prince William, who walked with quiet reverence among the attendees, honoring the pontiff’s legacy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria Starmer, were also present, joining other global leaders in paying tribute to Pope Francis.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, accompanied by his daughter and Italy’s First Lady Laura Mattarella, arrived early to represent the host nation. Britain's Prince William walked quietly among the mourners, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria Starmer, offered their respects.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei, representing the pope’s homeland, was seen making a heartfelt gesture ahead of the ceremony. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, alongside his wife Elke Büdenbender and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, also attended, highlighting the broad European representation.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden made their way through the square, reflecting the pope’s significant impact on American Catholics and global diplomacy. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres walked solemnly, paying tribute to a leader who often championed peace, human rights, and care for the poor on the world stage.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and France’s President Emmanuel Macron with his wife Brigitte Macron were also present among the mourners.

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