Pope Francis Laid To Rest, President Trump & Melania Attend Funeral
Pope Francis Funeral: Trump, World Leaders Gather as Pontiff Laid to Rest in Rome
Historic Papal Funeral at Basilica of St. Mary Major
In a historic ceremony that marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was laid to rest Saturday morning at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The funeral drew approximately 200,000 mourners, including world leaders and dignitaries from over 100 countries, making it one of the most significant religious gatherings of 2025.
Global Leaders Pay Their Respects
The funeral attracted an unprecedented gathering of world leaders, demonstrating Pope Francis’s global influence and the universal respect he commanded. Notable attendees included:
- President Trump and Melania Trump
- President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden
- Prince William of the United Kingdom
- President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine
- President Emmanuel Macron of France
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
- President Javier Milei of Argentina
Historic Burial Outside the Vatican
In a break from tradition spanning over a century, Pope Francis becomes the first pontiff since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican. This decision reflects his humble nature and desire to remain close to the people, even in death. The Pope specifically requested a simple tomb with the sole inscription “Franciscus.”
“In the ground; simple, without particular decoration, and with the sole inscription: Franciscus.”
– Pope Francis’s final wishes for his burial
Diplomatic Moments and Future Plans
The funeral also provided a platform for diplomatic engagement. A notable moment occurred when President Trump and President Zelensky held an impromptu meeting in the Vatican, which Zelensky described as “good” and “symbolic.” The gathering of world leaders highlighted the Vatican’s continuing role as a center of global diplomacy.
The Path Forward
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the funeral mass and will play a crucial role in selecting the next pope. The Novemdiales, a nine-day mourning period with daily special masses, has begun. The conclave to elect the new pope will commence between May 6 and May 11, following the traditional 15-20 day waiting period after a pope’s death.
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