World leaders assemble in Rome for Pope Francis' Funeral
World leaders are flocking to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The gathering is set for Saturday, with significant attendance anticipated. According to the Vatican, arrangements have been confirmed for 130 delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, all arriving ahead of the solemn occasion on Friday.
Among those arriving is U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. Interestingly, Trump's arrival will coincide with the sealing of Pope Francis' coffin. Other heads of state confirmed to attend include French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Hungarian President Viktor Orbán. Notably, both Vladimir Putin from Russia and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will miss the event, as they are subject to outstanding warrants from the International Criminal Court.
As the public prepares to pay their respects, over 90,000 visitors poured into the basilica on Thursday, prompting the Vatican to extend its opening hours late into the night. In a special tribute, a group of poor and homeless individuals will gather around Pope Francis' coffin prior to the funeral.
The late pontiff is to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, chosen for its proximity to an icon of the Virgin Mary that had always been a source of prayer for him. Following the funeral, the cardinals of the church will not convene to select the next pontiff until at least May 5. Arrivals of cardinals have been ongoing, with an initial meeting of 113 members taking place on Thursday to deliberate church-related matters. They are scheduled for another gathering on Friday, though it appears to be more of an organizational meeting.
Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni commented on the preparations, stating, “We are getting ready, but we still have not entered into the more intense phase. We are in the organizational phase”. The tension and anticipation for both the funeral and the eventual conclave hangs palpably in the air as Rome accommodates those wishing to honor Pope Francis’ legacy.
