World Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis at Solemn Vatican Funeral

Dozens of world leaders gathered in a packed St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, known as the ‘Pope of the Poor.’ Among those in attendance were U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron with his wife Brigitte, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It is estimated that over 150,000 faithful attended the event. The Ecumenical Patriarch, referred to as the ‘Brother in Christ’ of the late pontiff, sat close to the coffin according to Vatican protocol. The ceremony was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the eldest cardinal, following a simpler and shorter liturgical format as per the pope’s wishes. World leaders like Joe Biden, Prince Haakon of Norway, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Prince William of Wales also paid their respects. Strict dress codes were enforced for attendees, requiring men to wear black suits with black ties and white shirts, while women wore long-sleeved black dresses or suits, black shoes, and gloves. Photos from the event show dignitaries dressed accordingly, honoring the solemn occasion.