Pope Francis funeral: Thousands flock to Vatican for rich and symbolic procession
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, the first from Latin America and a tireless advocate for the poor, is being laid to rest in a ceremony rich with symbolism and tradition.
A portrait of Pope Francis sits at the Catholic Church of St. Catherine in Saint Petersburg on 21 April 2025. Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, died on Monday aged 88. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Thousands are watching in solemn silence as the funeral procession for Pope Francis moves through Saint Peter’s Square on Saturday.
Pope Francis, who was the first Jesuit Pope, the first from Latin America and a tireless advocate for the poor, is being laid to rest in a ceremony rich with symbolism and tradition.
The pontiff died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.
Many worldwide have hailed him as a progressive pope who put mercy at the centre of all his teachings.
Days after Pope Francis’ passing and the public viewing of his body, his coffin was finally sealed last night in preparation for his funeral.
Now the simple wooden coffin with a large cross lies before thousands who can be seen gathering for the mass service.
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.
Currently, senior leaders are leading mourners in prayer, and world leaders have descended upon Rome for the service.
They include United States President Donald Trump, whom the pontiff had previously criticised.
Despite this, Trump and other senior delegates, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, are in attendance.