World Leaders Attend Pope Francis' Funeral in St. Peter's Square

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United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were among several world leaders who attended the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on Saturday.

According to The Christian Post, Pope Francis' funeral was attended by over 200,000 people as well as about 250 cardinals, other clergy, religious brothers and sisters. Prior to the funeral, Trump met with Zelensky, marking the first time both leaders met since their heated meeting at the Oval Office in February.

Francis passed away last Monday at the age of 88 as a result of a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, The Vatican News stated. He was released from Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital last month following a 5-week stay due to a long battle with respiratory illness.

About 60 cardinals convened last week to initiate the process of electing a new pope following the death of Pope Francis.

"He was a great Pope. But first and foremost, he was a follower of Jesus," Stephen Cottrell, Interim head of the Church of England, wrote in The Telegraph. 

"The whole world has been touched by his life and ministry. The whole world mourns his passing. The whole world would do well to follow his example."

Pope Francis would also be the first pope in 350 years who was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

According to Vatican News, the conclave to elect a new Pope is scheduled to begin on May 7th, 2025, in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

The process involves the Cardinal electors taking an oath to maintain secrecy and refraining from external interference, followed by a series of prayers and meditations. For a new pope to be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes, and the process will continue until the vote is finalized.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Dan Kitwood/Staff

Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.