By Abiola Olawale
The ongoing funeral event of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square has drawn an unprecedented gathering of global leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The funeral ceremony marks the end of the 88-year-old pontiff’s 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away on April 21, 2025, following a stroke and heart failure.
Also present are Argentine President Javier Milei, Britain’s Prince William, former United States President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
His funeral, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, began at 10 a.m. local time, with the late pontiff’s wooden coffin placed before St. Peter’s Basilica.
