Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday (April 26) at Rome's Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore after a funeral attended by over 250,000 mourners. The "people's pope" was remembered for his humility and humanity during a service held in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. The funeral was attended by 55 heads of state and numerous dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who held a brief meeting before the service.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the ceremony, highlighting Pope Francis' open-hearted leadership and his commitment to the marginalized. The late pope, the first Latin American to hold the position, was known for his outreach to diverse communities and his advocacy for peace and justice. His coffin was transported in the popemobile through the streets of Rome, where thousands lined the route to pay their respects.
Pope Francis' funeral marked the beginning of a nine-day mourning period called Novemdiales. Following this, a conclave will be held to elect his successor. The conclave is expected to start around May 6, as cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to participate in the selection process.
Pope Francis' legacy includes his efforts to engage with people of all backgrounds and his focus on addressing global issues such as migration and climate change.