The funeral of Pope Francis — the world’s first Argentinean pontiff — was held in Rome early Saturday as Catholics around the globe gathered to pay their respects.
Francis died Monday at the age of 88 from a stroke — a complication of chronic lung disease, which had plagued the pope for months. His death now sets off the tradition of finding a new Vatican leader through the tradition known as a conclave.
Scores of world leaders attended the memorial service in St. Peter’s Square, from President Trump and former President Biden to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to French President Emmanuel Macron, among others.
The pontiff spent his final days celebrating Holy Week, the seven days leading up to Easter Sunday. Vice President Vance, who is not expected to attend the memorial service, met with the pope at the Vatican just hours before his death.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the service and delivered the eulogy.
Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also met in Vatican City ahead of the funeral, as talks to end the war in Eastern Europe continue, according to the White House.
The procession began around 10 a.m. local time — or 4 a.m. EDT.
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Tags Catholics conclave Donald Trump Emmanuel Macron Italy JD Vance Joe Biden Pope Francis pope francis death Pope Francis funeral Rome Vatican City Volodymyr Zelensky
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