VATICAN CITY (AP) — World dignitaries and Catholic faithful attended Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday.
Despite the presence of presidents and princes, prisoners and migrants ushered him into the basilica where he will be buried, reflecting his priorities as pope, as hundreds of thousands flocked to the funeral Mass.
U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the U.N. chief and European Union leaders, as well as Prince William and the Spanish royal family, were among those in attendance.
Francis is breaking with recent tradition and will be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, where a simple underground tomb awaits him with just his name: Franciscus.
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A migrant at the basilica says Francis understood their plight
One of the migrants who met Pope Francis’ coffin at his place of burial said that Francis understood the difficulties faced by people who left their native countries.
Annamaria Martinez of Venezuela said “Francis always looked at the best part of every person.’’ She burst into tears as she said, “He was unique and I’m so sad now.’’
The 53-year-old said she hoped that Francis’ good work would continue. She was among 40 migrants, prisoners, homeless and transgender people organized by the Sant’Egidio and Caritas charities to meet the pope’s coffin to underline the care he took for the marginalized.
Francis’ coffin is inside St. Mary Major Basilica
Pope Francis’ coffin was met by bishops and top cardinals in St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will be buried in a private ceremony later Saturday.
Pallbearers paused before the icon of the Madonna that Francis revered in a final salute, and four children lay white roses at the altar of the chapel that contains the icon. The pallbearers then continued with the coffin toward the niche where Francis will be buried beneath a simple tombstone bearing his name in Latin.
The Vatican media footage returned to the icon and then to the basilica’s exterior to allow the burial to proceed in private.
Francis will be buried in a private ceremony later Saturday
Pope Francis’ coffin has arrived at St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will be buried in a private ceremony later Saturday.
It was met by about 40 migrants, prisoners, homeless and transgender people each holding a white rose. Their inclusion was emblematic of his care for the marginalized. Francis is the first pope to be buried outside of the Vatican in 100 years.
More people turn out in Rome to watch the motorcade
The motorcade for the pope’s coffin is continuing through Rome’s historic center, where the crowds have thickened.
People were on the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier to catch a glimpse of the papal coffin. It continued past the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum, to applause and shouts of “Il Papa!” (the pope).
The motorcade with the coffin is making its way across Rome
Crowds applauded and yelled “Papa Francesco!” as a slow-moving motorcade escorting the pope’s coffin to his final resting place left the Vatican to make its way across Rome.
The coffin was visible from atop a modified popemobile. There was more clapping and church bells rang out as the popemobile emerged from a tunnel and crossed the Tiber River.
The popemobile was flanked by police on motorcycles.
Pope Francis’ coffin leaves the Vatican en route to his burial place in St. Mary Major Basilica
The coffin is being carried on the back of a popemobile modified so mourners lining streets can view it. The 6-kilometer (3.5-mile) route crosses the Tiber River and passes Italy’s monumental Tomb of the Unknown soldier, the ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum before reaching the basilica.
The coffin will be met by about 40 migrants, prisoners, and homeless and transgender people, reflecting the pontiff’s care for people who are marginalized.
Funeral Mass ends
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass has ended, and cardinals have filed back into St. Peter’s Basilica.
The crowd applauded as white-gloved pallbearers lifted the pope’s coffin to bring it back inside the basilica. From there, it will be moved to the popemobile to make its way across Rome to Francis’ burial place in St. Mary Major.
Meditative chant is sung at funeral Mass
A litany of saints was sung out during the funeral Mass for Pope Francis, a meditative chant that is part of the traditional rites.
It was followed by a blessing from Eastern rite Catholic churches chanted in Greek by patriarchs and priests. The pages of the New Testament placed atop the coffin fluttered in the wind as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re blessed the coffin with incense and holy water.
UK’s Prince William pays his respects
The prince attended the funeral on behalf of his father, King Charles III.
He stood side by side with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for a moment’s silence in front of Pope Francis’s sealed coffin.
William, dressed in a dark blue suit and black tie, walked through the ornate basilica and down the steps into St. Peter’s Square, before shaking hands with a member of the clergy and being guided to his seat.
He is carrying out his most significant duty so far as heir to the throne.
Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025
Italian pilgrim Pasquale Vezza arrived at the square with his family, describing the pope as “a bit like everyone’s grandfather.”
“Now we hope that there will be a continuation, especially of his message of peace,” Vezza said.
Ukrainian president arrives in Rome for papal funeral
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the first lady Olena Zelenska confirmed their arrival, despite doubts arising from a recent missile attack.
Pope’s coffin to be placed on popemobile for burial procession
The Vatican announced that the pope’s coffin will be placed on a popemobile used during his 2015 trip to the Philippines for the burial procession.
The modified vehicle will allow mourners to see the coffin along the nearly 2.5-mile route from St. Peter’s Basilica to his place of burial.
Calabria parish group camps out for a good spot
A group from Calabria camped out overnight to secure a good spot for the funeral, showing dedication and humility in their actions.
Mourners rush to find a spot in St Peter’s Square
Mourners flocked to St. Peter’s Square to find a spot for the funeral, with different sections reserved for various groups.
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