World Leaders Gather in Vatican as Pope Francis’ Funeral Begins

The funeral ceremony of Pope Francis commenced today at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City amid global mourning and solemn tributes.
Thousands of mourners, including world leaders, dignitaries, and members of the clergy, gathered to pay their final respects.
Heads of state from the United States, France, Italy, and several Latin American countries attended the service.
The funeral mass was led by senior cardinals and streamed live across the world to millions of Catholic faithful.
Security was heightened across Vatican City with extensive checks and traffic restrictions in place around key venues.
The Vatican confirmed that over 500 international media outlets were accredited to cover the event.
Pope Francis, 88, passed away earlier this week after a prolonged illness, marking the end of a historic papacy.
Church bells tolled across European capitals as symbolic tributes to his contributions to global peace and interfaith dialogue.
The burial ceremony will take place later today in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
Tributes have poured in from across religious communities, politicians, and citizens worldwide remembering his legacy.