IN PICS | Pope Francis funeral: World leaders, clergy grace Vatican
Francis is the first pope in over 100 years not to be buried in Saint Peter's Basilica. Instead, he chose to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
A photograph taken from St Peter Basilica shows a general view of late Pope Francis' coffin during the funeral ceremony in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on 26 April 2025. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Thousands of people gathered at St Peter's Square and in the surrounding streets for Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday.
Local police say some mourners waited overnight to get a seat for the ceremony.
The crowds had sight of the coffin carrying the mortal remains of the late Vicar of Christ, cheering as it was carried through the square.
Pallbearers walk away after placing the coffin of late Pope Francis during the funeral ceremony in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on 26 April 2025. Picture: AFP
Many of the more than 50 heads of state attending the funeral entered the Basilica beforehand to pay their respects at the coffin of the Argentine pontiff, who died of a stroke on Monday, aged 88.
US President Donald Trump (L) and First Lady Melania Trump sit alongside leaders as they attend the late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square at the Vatican on 26 April 2025. Picture: AFP
US President Donald Trump (L and First Lady Melania Trump (2L) stand alongside leaders including Estonia's President Alar Karis (C) Spain's King Felipe VI (2R) and Spain's Queen Letizia (R) as they attend the late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square at the Vatican on 26 April 2025. Picture: AFP
Days after Pope Francis’ passing and the public viewing of his body, his coffin was finally sealed on Friday night in preparation for his funeral.
The book of the gospels lays on the coffin of late Pope Francis during the funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square in The Vatican on 26 April 2025. Picture: AFP
Now the simple wooden coffin with a large cross lies before thousands who gathered for the mass service.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) and his wife Olena Zelenska (L) sit alongside other leaders including India's President Droupadi Murmu (R) as they attend the late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square at the Vatican on 26 April 2025. Picture: AFP
People gather at St Peter's Square in The Vatican on April 26, 2025 during late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony. Picture: AFP