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    Pope Francis laid to rest in the presence of world leaders in Rome

    European Newsdesk Posted on

    ROME: On April 26, 2025, Vatican City became the epicenter of global mourning as over 250,000 mourners and 130 international delegations gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to health complications.

    A Humble Farewell

    The funeral Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, took place in St. Peter’s Square. In accordance with Pope Francis’s wishes for simplicity, he was laid to rest in a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc, foregoing the traditional three-coffin burial. His final resting place is the Basilica of St. Mary Major, making him the first pope since Leo XIII to be interred outside the Vatican.

    In a poignant tribute to his commitment to the marginalized, 40 individuals from vulnerable communities, including prisoners, migrants, and the homeless, greeted the coffin upon its arrival at the basilica. ​

    Trump and Zelensky’s Unexpected Meeting

    Among the dignitaries present were U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two leaders held a brief but significant 15-minute meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica, marking their first encounter since a tense Oval Office exchange in February.

    Described as “very productive” by the White House, the discussion focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for recent missile attacks on Kyiv and suggested imposing financial pressure through sanctions. Zelensky emphasized the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire, expressing hope that the meeting could pave the way for lasting peace.

    The encounter was symbolically significant, taking place amidst a gathering of global leaders and highlighting the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts. ​

    Diplomatic Engagements on the Sidelines

    The funeral also provided an opportunity for other diplomatic interactions. President Trump was seen engaging with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. While details of these conversations remain undisclosed, they underscore the multifaceted nature of international relations present at the event. ​

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also utilized the occasion to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, reflecting the event’s role as a platform for high-level discussions beyond its primary purpose of mourning.

    A Legacy of Humility and Unity

    Pope Francis’s funeral was not only a solemn farewell to a beloved spiritual leader but also a testament to his enduring legacy of humility, inclusivity, and commitment to the marginalized. The gathering of diverse global leaders in mourning and dialogue serves as a reflection of the unity and peace that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy. ​

    As the world transitions into a period of mourning and reflection, the conclave to elect the next pope is anticipated to commence in early May, continuing the Catholic Church’s journey under new leadership.

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