• Source:JND
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More than 200,000 mourners, with 160 foreign delegations, assemble at Vatican City to pay respects for Pope Francis's last rites; prisoners and migrants to play crucial role in burial

The funeral of Pope Francis, who died earlier this week at the age of 88, has commenced at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City with a somber mass witnessed by more than 200,000 mourners and over 50 world leaders. In a first-of-its-kind departure from tradition, the deceased pontiff will be interred by prisoners and migrants at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to the marginalized.

Dignitaries Arrive To Pay Last Respects

Pope Francis's funeral mass has commenced with the entrance antiphon, a choice of psalm verses or scripture readings that are sung or recited traditionally.

President Droupadi Murmu, who is India's representative, was joined by US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prince William, and representatives from more than 160 foreign delegations in paying their respects. President Murmu was joined by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, MoS George Kurian, and Goa Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza. The President paid homage at the Basilica of Saint Peter on Friday and will be staying in Vatican City for two days.

Prince William came to stand in for King Charles, with other high-profile guests including Argentina's President Javier Milei, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italy's President Sergio Mattarella. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also came to Rome to attend the funeral amidst war in his nation.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a liberal pope in history, will be buried in a plain tomb under the Basilica of St. Mary Major, instead of the traditional site under St. Peter's Basilica. The decision accords with his desire for a humble and welcoming farewell. The cortege got underway as church bells rang out throughout the Vatican, marking the beginning of the ceremony. Mourners were requested not to wave flags or hold up banners, keeping the dignity of the occasion intact. The zinc and wood coffin of the Pope has a cross and his papal coat of arms. A white cloth covered his face, and a "rogito"—a document recording his papacy—was placed inside along with minted coins from his papacy.

Taiwan's ex-Vice President Chen Chien-jen is representing President Lai Ching-te at the funeral to meet with world leaders and enhance diplomatic relations. China, without official ties with the Vatican, has not announced its representative for the funeral but made a condolence statement earlier this week.

Nine Days of Mourning and the Future

After the burial, the Catholic Church will also hold a nine-day mourning period, referred to as the novemdiales. This will be preceded by a conclave that will choose the new pope, with cardinals casting their ballots behind closed doors. The conclave date has not been scheduled.

The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday closes out a 12-year papacy of revolutionary reform focused on compassion, humility, and ministry to the poor. This day's funeral manifests that ethic in all facets—from attendance at the ceremony to the rites of burial entrenching him as a people's pope.