World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis’s Funeral at St Peter’s Square
Hundreds of thousands are expected to descend upon St Peter’s Square on Saturday, April 26, for the funeral of Pope Francis, marking one of the most significant gatherings of global leaders and mourners in recent years.
The ceremony, a solemn farewell to a pontiff who touched lives across continents, will draw dignitaries from around the world, including presidents, prime ministers, royals, and spiritual leaders.
Among those in attendance will be Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who is representing President William Ruto and the Kenyan people. Speaking from Nairobi as he led a delegation of lawmakers to offer condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature, Wetang’ula described Pope Francis as a “pillar of humility, peace, and justice.” He departed the country Thursday evening to join the international congregation in Vatican City.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania will make their first foreign trip of his second term to attend the funeral. Trump, who once clashed with Pope Francis on immigration policy, hailed him as “a very good man” and ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast in tribute.
Prince William will attend on behalf of his father, King Charles III, following a royal tradition dating back to 2005, when Charles—then Prince of Wales—represented Queen Elizabeth II at the funeral of Pope John Paul II. King Charles expressed his deep admiration for the late Pope’s “compassion” and his global impact, recalling their recent meeting at the Vatican just weeks before the Pope’s death.
Also attending are UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who praised the Pope’s “courageous leadership,” French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who declared a week of national mourning. Lula remembered the Pope as a “voice of respect and welcome,” highlighting their shared commitment to peace and justice.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will represent one of the world’s most devout Catholic nations. Marcos Jr. called Pope Francis “the best Pope in my lifetime,” a sentiment echoed by millions across Asia. The Pope’s 2015 visit to the Philippines drew over six million faithful in Manila alone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska will also attend, honoring a spiritual leader who consistently advocated for peace amid Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine. Despite diplomatic tensions earlier this year, Zelensky commended the Pope’s prayers for Ukraine and described him as “a bearer of hope.”
As the Vatican prepares for the historic event, speculation mounts over who might succeed the beloved pontiff. Among the frontrunners is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” for his pastoral focus and deep social concern.
Saturday’s funeral is not only a moment of grief but also a global reflection on the Pope’s enduring legacy