Pope Francis funeral Highlights: Pope laid to rest after tens of thousands attend Vatican funeral

Vatican funeral highlights: Pope Francis has been laid to rest today in a “simplified” funeral ceremony held at the Vatican, drawing a crowd of over 250,000 mourners. The late pontiff’s tomb has been placed at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, situated at the highest point of the Italian capital. This marks a significant moment as Pope Francis becomes the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the walls of the Vatican. The pontiff’s final resting place is inscribed simply with the word “Franciscus,” reflecting his humble nature and desire for simplicity.

The funeral service, which took place in St. Peter’s Square, lasted approximately two hours and was steeped in ritual and tradition. More than 100 delegations attended, including numerous world leaders and reigning monarchs, paying tribute to the first Latin American pope. This moving ceremony came just six days after Pope Francis made his final public appearance during Easter, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church.

In a poignant moment ahead of the funeral, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump met privately in St. Peter’s Basilica. The two leaders engaged in talks as part of the White House’s growing effort to negotiate a resolution to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, underscoring the high-stakes international significance of the occasion.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who conducted the service, spoke of Pope Francis’s remarkable legacy, emphasizing his leadership qualities. “He led with an open heart toward everyone,” Cardinal Re said, reflecting on the late pope’s deep commitment to humanity and inclusivity. Mourners gathered to honor Francis, fondly remembering him as the “people’s pope” for his down-to-earth approach and open-mindedness.