From royals to refugees: World gathers for Pope Francis funeral

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
26 Apr 2025 08:42

World leaders, royals, and the marginalized gather in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral, honoring his legacy of compassion and humility with an 'intimate' Vatican farewell.

Faithful carry a banner which reads "Goodbye father, teacher and poet. The young people of Scholas" as they arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP)

An extraordinary gathering of world leaders, royals, and marginalized communities is coming together in St Peter’s Square on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, the liberal pontiff who led the Catholic Church for 12 years. At least 130 foreign delegations and around 200,000 pilgrims will attend the Vatican funeral ceremony, honoring a leader known for his outreach to the poor and vulnerable.

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Monday, following a stroke and heart failure. He had been recovering from double pneumonia, which kept him hospitalized for five weeks. During the three days he lay in state, thousands of mourners visited St Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects before his coffin was sealed in a private ceremony on Friday night.

The funeral mass, which will begin at 10 am local time, will be led by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the college of cardinals.

Pope Francis’ final wishes shape the Vatican funeral

The Pope's funeral involves a major security operation across Rome, with thousands of Italian police, military forces, and the Vatican’s Swiss Guards deployed. Rooftop snipers, anti-drone weapons, and fighter jets ensured the safety of the attendees.

In line with his final wishes, Francis invited not only global dignitaries but also those often marginalized by society. Delegations from Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya, NGOs that support refugees and migrants, were given special places at the funeral.

A delegation from Argentina, led by President Javier Milei, will sit in the front row, alongside by Italian leaders, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Other attendees include US President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William.

Refugees and marginalized join in tribute to Francis

Pope Francis, who named himself after Saint Francis of Assisi, was known for advocating for the poor and marginalized. Among those attending were refugees, prisoners, and homeless individuals—groups with whom Francis formed strong bonds.

#PopeFrancis’s death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and institutions, who praised his legacy of humility, justice, and interfaith dialogue. pic.twitter.com/fqcsbUWuSc
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 21, 2025

The scale of the St Peter’s Square funeral requires heightened vigilance, with soldiers stationed throughout the Vatican and Rome. The presence of world leaders and public figures adds to the complexity of the event.

An 87-page order of service, written in English, Italian, and Latin, will guide the mass. Pope Francis had simplified papal funeral rites last year and provided specific instructions regarding the ceremony.

Following the funeral, Francis’s coffin will be transported to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, passing landmarks such as the Colosseum. As per his request, 40 individuals, including prisoners and homeless people, will give him a final farewell.

Francis will not be buried in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica. Instead, his simple wooden coffin will be placed in a modest niche previously used for candlestick holders. The tomb will bear only the Latin inscription: Franciscus.

According to a Vatican official, the burial will be an “intimate” event attended by Francis’s relatives,