The funeral of Pope Francis — the first Latin American pope and a passionate advocate for the poor — has officially begun at the Vatican.
Italian police reported that around 140,000 mourners have gathered across St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets in Rome on Saturday to pay their final respects. The massive turnout reflects the global impact and popularity of the late pontiff, who reshaped the Catholic Church’s approach to social justice and outreach to marginalized communities.
An hour before the ceremony’s start, St. Peter’s Square was nearly full with its 40,000-person capacity, while an estimated 100,000 additional people filled Via della Conciliazione and the surrounding areas.
World leaders, royalty, and religious figures — about 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs — are in attendance, underscoring the significance of the moment not just for Catholics but for the international community