World leaders gathered in Vatican City on Saturday, April 26, to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure. The open-air funeral in St. Peter’s Square drew around 200,000 mourners, according to BBC News.
Attendees included U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William (representing the monarchy for the first time at an international funeral), UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
During the funeral, Trump stood out by wearing a blue suit while nearly all others wore black, sparking criticism online for appearing disrespectful. Social media users questioned why he didn’t follow tradition, especially considering his past remarks about others’ attire, including Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy also faced some criticism for not wearing formal clothing, though he has vowed not to wear a suit until the war in Ukraine ends.
After the funeral, in a break from tradition, the Pope’s remains were to be taken through Rome to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, with the poor and needy invited to pay their respects—reflecting Francis’ lifelong dedication to the marginalized.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the funeral homily, praising Pope Francis as “a pope among the people” who emphasized compassion, inclusivity, and service to the vulnerable.
