World Leaders Gather as Pope Francis Is Laid to Rest in Humble Ceremony
Pope Francis was laid to rest on April 26, 2025, during a solemn funeral held outside the Vatican, in accordance with his personal wish for a modest and humble farewell. The ceremony drew an estimated 400,000 mourners, including heads of state, dignitaries, clergy, and faithful from around the world, reflecting the global impact of his papacy.
Among the attendees were former U.S. President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump. Mr. Trump’s choice of a blue suit sparked some online discussion, as many male attendees traditionally wore black for the occasion. In contrast, Mrs. Trump adhered to the longstanding Vatican tradition for women by wearing a black ensemble complete with a lace mantilla veil.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, was widely respected for his humility, inclusive leadership, and efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. Despite ongoing health issues in recent years, he remained committed to his role and never considered stepping down. Throughout his papacy, Francis advocated for compassion, environmental stewardship, and social justice, and he was admired for choosing to live in a simple guesthouse rather than the papal palace.
In keeping with his wishes for a simple burial, Pope Francis was interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than in the traditional crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. His final resting place is marked with a modest inscription: “Franciscus.”
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