World leaders descended upon Rome on April 26 to bid a poignant farewell to Pope Francis, whose passing has sent shockwaves through the global community. In a historic funeral service at St. Peter’s Square, prominent figures including former President Donald Trump, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron, and former U.S. President Joe Biden gathered to honor the late Pontiff, marking a moment of unity and reflection.

As Pope Francis’s coffin departed St. Peter’s Square, the atmosphere was charged with emotion, with attendees witnessing the somber procession through Vatican City toward its final resting place at St. Mary Major Basilica. This unprecedented burial marks the first time in over a century that a Pope has been laid to rest outside the walls of St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing the significance of the moment.

The Vatican confirmed the Holy Father’s death on April 21, just a day after he delivered his Easter blessing, announcing that “the bishop of Rome Francis returned to the house of the Father” at 7:35 AM. Pope Francis, who inspired millions with his message of faith, courage, and universal love, was honored by an estimated 250,000 mourners who came to pay their respects during his three days of lying in state.

The funeral service not only commemorates the life of a beloved leader but also marks the beginning of nine days of mourning within the Catholic Church. Following this period, cardinals from around the globe will convene in a secretive conclave to elect the next Pope, ushering in a new chapter for the Catholic faith in the wake of this monumental loss. The world watches closely as it prepares to navigate a future reshaped by the absence of a Pope who championed compassion and unity.