World leaders gather as 140,000 bid farewell to Pope Francis
Approximately 140,000 people gathered in Vatican City for the funeral mass of Pope Francis, which began on Saturday at 4:00 AM Eastern Time.
Since Saturday morning, the Vatican has become a gathering place for thousands of faithful who came to bid farewell to Pope Francis. According to the Roman police, about 140,000 people gathered at St. Peter's Square and its surroundings.
St. Peter's Square, the focal point of the ceremonies, is almost completely filled. It is estimated that about 40,000 people are present there. The remaining 100,000 faithful have gathered along the Via della Conciliazione, the road leading to the Vatican, and nearby areas.
More than 50 world leaders are present at today's funeral. Among them are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and American President Donald Trump. Representatives from other religions are also in attendance.
In a solemn procession, the coffin containing Pope Francis's body is carried out of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony begins with the entrance antiphon as the procession moves towards the altar in St. Peter's Square, where the funeral ceremonies are conducted. The simple coffin of the Holy Father, which features only a cross and the papal coat of arms, draws particular attention.
The last to enter the square is the celebrant, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. An open Gospel Book is placed on the coffin of Pope Francis, set near the altar.
