Global leaders gather in Rome to bid farewell to Pope Francis
Pope Francis is being bid farewell by delegations from all over the world. Heads of state and diplomats are seated alphabetically according to the names of countries in French.
The whole world is bidding farewell to Pope Francis, and the funeral ceremonies are ongoing. Follow our LIVE coverage
About 200,000 people are attending Pope Francis's funeral in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, the Vatican announced, citing local authorities.
160 delegations and many leaders are participating in the ceremony, including the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the leader of the Pope's homeland, Argentina's Javier Milei. A Polish delegation led by President Andrzej Duda is also present.
According to protocol, the first seats in the rows in front of the basilica are taken by the Argentine delegation with President Milei. Next is the Italian delegation, with President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, accompanied by his daughter Laura and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
State delegations at the Pope's funeral. They are seated alphabetically
In the following rows, crowned heads and representatives of countries are seated in alphabetical order according to the names of countries in French.
In the first row sits the President of the United States, Donald Trump, between the Estonian and Finnish Presidents. A few seats further, the French President Emmanuel Macron is seated.
