Farewell to a pope: 140,000 gather for Francis's final Mass
Approximately 140,000 people gathered in Vatican City for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, which began on Saturday at 9:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Since Saturday morning, the Vatican has been a gathering place for thousands of the faithful who came to bid farewell to Pope Francis. According to the Roman police, about 140,000 people gathered at St. Peter's Square and its surroundings.
St. Peter's Square, the central point of the ceremonies, is almost completely filled. It is estimated that about 40,000 people are there. The remaining 100,000 faithful gathered along the Via della Conciliazione, leading to the Vatican, and in its vicinity.
More than 50 world leaders are present at today's funeral. Among them are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and American President Donald Trump. Representatives of other religions are also in attendance.
In a solemn procession, the coffin containing Pope Francis's body is being taken out of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony begins with the entrance antiphon. The procession moves towards the altar in St. Peter's Square, where the funeral ceremonies are held. Attention is drawn to the simple coffin of the Holy Father, which features only a cross and the papal coat of arms.
The last to enter the square is the celebrant, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. An open Gospel Book is placed on the coffin of Pope Francis, which is set near the altar.
