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Cardinals Set May 7 Date for Conclave to Elect Pope Francis’ Successor: Vatican Updates

Cardinals process during the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, Saturday, April 26, 2025. | Credit: Bénédicte Cedergren/EWTN News
CNA Staff

By CNA Staff

Vatican, 28 April, 2025 / 5:56 pm (ACI Africa).

Pope Francis passed away Easter Monday, April 21. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. His burial at St. Mary Major took place Saturday, April 26.

Follow here for live updates of the latest news and information on the papal transition:

Report: Cardinal Becciu won’t participate in conclave

Cardinal Angelo Becciu. | Credit: Claude Truong Ngoc, CC BY SA 40 via Wikimedia Commons

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu has renounced his participation in the upcoming Conclave.

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The former deputy Secretary of State has decided to withdraw his name as a cardinal elector despite having insisted last week that he should have a vote.

Read the full blog post at the National Catholic Register.

Sistine Chapel closes to the public due to conclave

April 28, 2025 at 07:42 pm ET

 

Full text: Homily of Cardinal Reina on third day of Novendiales

April 28, 2025 at 07:39 pm ET

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, delivers the homily during the third day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on Monday.

Read the full text of the homily here.

 

‘Discern and order’: Cardinal calls for continuation of Pope Francis’ reform path

April 28, 2025 at 07:07 pm ET

Cardinal Baldassare Reina urges the faithful to “discern and order” the late pontiff’s reform initiatives while acknowledging the sense of loss felt by Rome’s Catholics in his homily on the third day of “Novendiales” Masses for Pope Francis.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday, April 28, the 54-year-old vicar general for the Diocese of Rome describes how the faithful feel like “sheep without a shepherd” following the pontiff’s death.

Cardinal Baldassare Reina celebrates Mass on Day 3 of the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on April 28, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Cardinal Baldassare Reina celebrates Mass on Day 3 of the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on April 28, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

 

Kurdish family helped by Pope Francis: ‘He saved us’

April 28, 2025 at 06:42 pm ET

In addition to the more than 140 international delegations who participated in the solemn celebration of Pope Francis’ funeral Mass, a group of homeless people and several immigrant families also sat in the front rows. In total, there were 40 people seated there who had experienced Pope Francis’ tenderness firsthand during his 12-year pontificate. 

Among them was the 31-year-old Kurdish woman, along with her four children and husband, who had to flee Iraq in the face of the Islamic State’s furious violence and the lack of basic services and opportunities for the future.

Read her story here.

In July 2022, Imán and her family were able to greet Pope Francis after the general audience. Credit: Vatican Media
In July 2022, Imán and her family were able to greet Pope Francis after the general audience. Credit: Vatican Media

 

Meet the 5 oldest cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave

April 28, 2025 at 05:30 pm ET

Cardinals over the age of 80 cannot participate in a conclave. Out of the 134 cardinals under 80 taking part in the upcoming 2025 conclave, 15 are 79 years old — some making it under the cutoff just weeks before their 80th birthday.

One of them, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares of Spain, opted out due to health reasons, leaving 134 electors from the original 135 eligible cardinals.

The age limit for electors was introduced by Pope Paul VI in the 1970s and was confirmed by Pope John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.

Here’s a look at the oldest members of the 2025 conclave.

From left to right: Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, Cardinal Joseph Coutts, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA/ Romanuspontifex, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
From left to right: Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, Cardinal Joseph Coutts, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA/ Romanuspontifex, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

CNA explains: What is the St. Malachy prophecy, and why are people talking about it?

April 28, 2025 at 03:56 pm ET

The recent death of Pope Francis on April 21 has reignited interest in the centuries-old “Prophecy of the Popes,” also known as the St. Malachy prophecy, which some say indicates that Pope Francis was the last pope the Church will ever have.

The over-900-year-old prophecy, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, purports to describe every single pope from the year 1143 until the end of time — and Pope Francis appears, at least at a glance, to be the last pope described in the prophecy, suggesting the world will end now that his papacy has concluded.

A closer look shows that there is some significant evidence against the authenticity of this alleged prophecy. Here’s what you need to know.

The statue of St. Peter at the square named for him in the Vatican. Credit: Stephen Driscoll/CNA
The statue of St. Peter at the square named for him in the Vatican. Credit: Stephen Driscoll/CNA

 

‘This is Francis:’ A Vatican photographer remembers phone call from the pope

April 28, 2025 at 03:16 pm ET

Imagine that your cellphone rings and the display says the call is from a “private number.” You expect it to be a telemarketer, but instead when you answer, you hear a man with an Argentine accent say: “This is Francis. I received your letter.”

That phone call happened to Daniel Ibañez, CNA and EWTN News Vatican photographer, on an ordinary weekday morning in December 2018.

Here is everything you need to know about how to watch Pope Francis’ funeral and other important details.

Daniel Ibanez embraces Pope Francis. . Vatican Media
Daniel Ibanez embraces Pope Francis. . Vatican Media

 

Cardinals contemplate Church’s future as Sistine Chapel preparations begin

April 28, 2025 at 11:53 am ET

More than 180 cardinals gather Monday for their fifth general congregation, focusing on major challenges facing the Church including evangelization, interfaith relations, and the abuse crisis. As these substantive discussions unfold, Vatican staff begin physically preparing the Sistine Chapel for the May 7 conclave where the next pope will be elected.

Read the full story here.

Cardinals gather for the fifth general congregation on April 28, 2025, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media
Cardinals gather for the fifth general congregation on April 28, 2025, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media

 

Meet the 5 youngest cardinals taking part in the conclave

April 28, 2025 at 11:12 am ET
From left to right: Cardinal Francis Leo, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, and Cardinal Américo Manuel Aguiar Alves. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
From left to right: Cardinal Francis Leo, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, and Cardinal Américo Manuel Aguiar Alves. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

At the upcoming papal conclave, set to begin May 7, the College of Cardinals will include several notably young members who have traveled to Rome from across the world, from Mongolia to Australia. 

Among the 135 cardinals who are eligible to vote in a conclave, 15 of them are under the age of 60. 

Here are the five youngest cardinals who will help select the next pope.

Pope Francis’ passing leaves international soccer world in mourning

April 28, 2025 at 11:04 am ET

Among the tens of thousands of mourners paying their respects before the coffin of Pope Francis last week was Gianluigi Buffon, the Italian World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

Pope Francis was a lifelong soccer fan and his passing was felt perhaps most acutely among fans of the San Lorenzo club in Buenos Aires, a team he followed since childhood. During their match on Saturday, the club paid tribute to their most famous fan. San Lorenzo players wore a patch on their shirts with an image of Pope Francis smiling and wearing his papal robes, accompanied by the phrase “Together for Eternity.”

Read more here.

A patch depicting the late Pope Francis is seen on the jersey of San Lorenzo’s Spanish midfielder No. 10 Iker Muniain during the Argentine Professional Football League 2025 Apertura Tournament football match between San Lorenzo and Rosario Central at the Pedro Bidegain stadium in Buenos Aires on April 26, 2025. The late Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, was a fan and member No. 88235 of Argentina’s San Lorenzo football club. Credit: ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP via Getty Images
A patch depicting the late Pope Francis is seen on the jersey of San Lorenzo’s Spanish midfielder No. 10 Iker Muniain during the Argentine Professional Football League 2025 Apertura Tournament football match between San Lorenzo and Rosario Central at the Pedro Bidegain stadium in Buenos Aires on April 26, 2025. The late Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, was a fan and member No. 88235 of Argentina’s San Lorenzo football club. Credit: ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP via Getty Images

Vatican conclave date set: Cardinals to elect new pope beginning May 7

April 28, 2025 at 07:27 am ET

The College of Cardinals has announced that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on Wednesday, May 7, marking the final phase in the process of selecting the 267th pope.

Read the full story here.

Cardinals to announce official date for conclave to elect new pope

Cardinals in Rome. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Cardinals are meeting in a general congregation to determine when the conclave to elect a new pope will begin. The pivotal gathering began this morning at the Vatican as the College of Cardinals continues its preparations for electing the next successor to St. Peter.

Sources inside the Vatican confirm that today’s April 28 meeting is specifically focused on setting the official start date for the conclave, where cardinal electors under 80 years of age will cast their votes.

The cardinals have been holding regular general congregation meetings in recent days to discuss the current state and future direction of the Church and global affairs. Today’s decision represents a significant step forward in the process.

Vatican watchers expect an announcement on the conclave date to be made following the conclusion of today’s meeting. We will update this live blog as more information becomes available.

How Pope Francis’ final journey through Rome connects key symbols of his pontificate

Scenes from the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025 | Vatican

The final journey of Pope Francis through the streets of Rome on Saturday became a tapestry of meaningful moments, from departing through the door near his humble Vatican residence to traveling in the Dodge Ram popemobile that once carried him among the faithful in Mexico. Each element of the 6-kilometer (about 3.5-mile) cortege reflected aspects of his papacy and personal devotions.

Read the full story here.

Pope Francis speaks to young people in video published after his death

April 27, 2025 at 04:53 pm ET

In a video message recorded in January but only published on Sunday, six days after his death, Pope Francis encourages young people to work on listening well to others.

In the Jan. 8 video, shared by the Italian weekly magazine Oggi, the pope addresses teens and young adults, telling them: “One of the most important things in life is to listen — to learn how to listen.”

“People don’t listen. Halfway through an explanation, they’ll answer, and that doesn’t help peace. Listen — listen a lot,” he urges.

Read the full story here.

Cardinal shares Marian connection to final resting place for Pope Francis

A white rose rests on Pope Francis’ tomb marker in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. | Credit: Vatican Media

A Lithuanian cardinal says that Pope Francis chose his final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major following what the late pontiff described as guidance from the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Speaking to journalists after Saturday’s burial, Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, coadjutor archpriest of the basilica, shares that he had initially asked Francis on May 13, 2022 — the feast of Our Lady of Fátima — if he would consider being buried at St. Mary Major.

The pope declined, saying popes should traditionally be buried at St. Peter’s Basilica, reported ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.

However, just one week later, Francis summoned Makrickas and told him: “The Virgin told me ‘prepare your tomb,’” adding: “I am happy that the Virgin has not forgotten about me.”

The burial niche of Pope Francis in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major features a stone marker with 'FRANCISCVS' inscribed. Credit: Vatican Media

Mourners lined the streets of Rome yesterday as the pope’s wishes were fulfilled with his burial at the Marian basilica, where pilgrims are now beginning to visit his simple tomb marked “FRANCISCVS.”

Young pilgrims attend St. Peter’s Mass as Church enters second day of papal mourning

Thousands of faithful gather for the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday on the second day of mourning for Pope Francis at the Vatican, April 27, 2025. The Mass also fell on the day of the Jubilee of Teenagers. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

St. Peter’s Square is filled with thousands of teenagers and other pilgrims from around the world today as Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass on the second day of mourning for Pope Francis, which also falls on Divine Mercy Sunday.

”The shepherd whom the Lord gave to his people, Pope Francis, has ended his earthly life and has left us,” Parolin says in his homily.

Read the full story here.

A joyful crowd of scouts attends the Jubilee of Teenagers in Rome just before Divine Mercy Mass on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square. Credit: Courtney Mares/CNA

200,000 teenagers pray and sing the Regina Coeli in St. Peter’s Square during the Jubilee of Teenagers

Cardinal Burke launches novena as conclave approaches

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke at the March for Life in Rome, Italy, May 10, 2015. | Martha Calderon/CNA

U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke is inviting Catholics worldwide to join a solemn novena of hope to Our Lady of Good Counsel beginning May 1 and running until May 9. The prayer initiative comes as the College of Cardinals prepares to enter the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

“Asking the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel is especially important, given the critical decisions which will be made during the coming days and weeks for the good of the Church and of the whole world,” Burke tells the National Catholic Register, CNA’s sister news partner.

Read the whole story at the National Catholic Register.

Parish where Pope Francis heard confessions invites faithful to sign memorial book

A portrait of Pope Francis stands in the central aisle of the Parish of St. Pio V in Rome, where a memorial book sits on a blue-draped table for visitors to write their farewells. | Credit: Elias Turk/ACI MENA

The parish church of St. Pio V in Rome, not far from the Vatican, has become another site of mourning as parishioners and visitors write their farewells to Pope Francis in a memorial book placed before his portrait.

Pages of the memorial book show handwritten messages from the faithful expressing gratitude and farewell to Pope Francis. Pens sit ready for more visitors to add their tributes. Credit: Elias Turk/ACI MENA

This parish held special significance in the final months of Francis’ papacy. On March 8, 2024, the pope visited St. Pio V, where he heard confessions and presided over a celebration of reconciliation as part of the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative.

The altar area of St. Pio V Parish features a mosaic depicting Jesus with two disciples at Emmaus. To the right hangs the commemorative plaque from Pope Francis’ March 8, 2024, visit. Credit: Elias Turk/ACI MENA

During that visit, Francis delivered a powerful homily emphasizing one of his signature themes: “God never tires of forgiving.”

A commemorative plaque marking this visit remains prominently displayed in the church, now serving as a poignant reminder of the pope’s recent presence in this community.

First pilgrims visit tomb of Pope Francis in St. Mary Major

Pilgrims visit the tomb of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica on Sunday, April 27, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

The first pilgrims are arriving at the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis after the late pontiff was buried there on Saturday.

The faithful flocking to the tomb on Sunday morning see the illumination on the marble tomb, located in a niche between two chapels in what was Francis’ favorite basilica.

A white rose rests on Pope Francis’ simple tomb marker in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

The stone slab marked “FRANCISCVS” is illuminated by a spotlight that also highlights a small crucifix mounted on the wall above the tomb.

A visitor prays the rosary near the final resting place of Pope Francis at the Basilica St. Mary Major in Rome, April 27, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Gendarmes stand guard as visitors, some clutching rosaries and taking photographs, pay their respects at the burial site.

The location fulfills Pope Francis’ final wish to be laid to rest in the basilica he visited more than 100 times during his pontificate, often before and after international trips to pray before the ancient icon of Mary “Salus Populi Romani” (“Protectress of the Roman People”).

A white rose rests on Pope Francis’ tomb marker in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Credit: Vatican Media

Cardinal Dew pays emotional tribute to Pope Francis

April 27, 2025 at 12:00 am ET

As the Catholic Church mourns Pope Francis, there is time to also reflect on his legacy, says Cardinal John Dew of New Zealand.

“I think for me, there was this deep gratitude for what Pope Francis has done for the Church in the 12 years that he was the pontiff — and for the world,” Dew says in a statement released Sunday.

“It’s very emotional to think of that, too, that he’s had such an effect on the world.”

The prelate will be the third New Zealander to participate in a papal election.

Read the full story here.

How Catholics will remember Pope Francis, and how they said goodbye

One of the last bishops appointed by Pope Francis says he showed us ‘how to evangelize’

April 26, 2025 at 11:56 am ET

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, leaving behind what Providence, Rhode Island, Bishop-elect Bruce Lewandowski — one of the last bishops in the world appointed by the late pontiff — said is a legacy of “closeness” and missionary evangelization. 

The Holy Father lived out the Gospel, Lewandowski told CNA this week, “by being close to the poor, close to people who feel far from other people, far from the Church, and far from Jesus. He showed they could experience the closeness of the Lord through him.”

“We’ve talked a lot about evangelization and new evangelization for decades,” the bishop said. “He showed us how to do it.”

Pope Francis buried in beloved Marian basilica after coffin crosses Rome in popemobile

Prelates watch as Vatican officials prepare Pope Francis' tomb in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Saturday, April 26, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

After leaving the Vatican for the last time — and a final goodbye to the Eternal City, with his coffin crossing Rome — Pope Francis is buried in a private ceremony in his tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major around 1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

He is the eigth pope buried in this church.

Upholding the tradition of his humble predecessors, his tomb is a simple slab bearing his name.

The tomb is located in a niche of the left-side aisle of the basilica, between the Pauline Chapel (which houses the icon known as “Salus Populi Romani” — “Mary, Protection of the Roman People”) and the Sforza Chapel.

Read the whole story here.

Coffin of Pope Francis arrives at St. Mary Major

Pallbearers carry Pope Francis's simple wooden coffin marked with a cross toward the entrance of St. Mary Major Basilica as prelates and priests form a solemn reception line on April 26, 2025. | Credit: Zofia Czubak / EWTN News

The wooden coffin of Pope Francis arrives at the Basilica of St. Mary Major just after 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, completing the solemn procession from St. Peter’s Square through the streets of Rome. Crowds of faithful lined the route as the late pontiff made his final journey to the basilica he visited more than 100 times during his papacy.

The historic Marian basilica will be the pope’s final resting place, where he will be buried in a simple tomb marked only with the word “Franciscus.”

Pope Francis specifically requested burial at St. Mary Major, where seven other popes have their final resting place.

Italian officials estimate that approximately 150,000 people lined the procession route from Vatican City to the basilica, according to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office.

Colorful balloons bearing a photo of Pope Francis float above the roof of St. Mary Major Basilica as a final tribute from the faithful to the late pontiff known for his simplicity and joy, April 26, 2025. Credit: Zofia Czubak/EWTN News

Trump, Zelenskyy hold meeting in Vatican prior to pope’s funeral

April 26, 2025 at 07:00 am ET

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted a brief meeting at the Vatican on Saturday prior to Pope Francis’ funeral in which the two world leaders discussed the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

Zelenskyy shared a photo on X of the two heads of state conferring in a hall at St. Peter’s Basilica. The leaders sat on ornate chairs while discussing efforts to “prevent another war from breaking out,” the Ukrainian leader said.

Trump and Zelenskyy were among the dozens of world leaders in attendance at the pope’s funeral on Saturday.

Funeral procession for Pope Francis begins

Crowds line the streets to farewell Pope Francis on April 26, 2025 in Rome | Credit: Elias Turk / EWTN News

The solemn funeral Mass for Pope Francis has concluded at St. Peter’s Basilica after Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re completed the final rites of the liturgy.

The funeral procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major has now begun. The pontiff left the Vatican to cheers from a small crowd gathered to salute the Holy Father on his journey to the place of burial.

Pope Francis will now cross the Eternal City in the popemobile for the final time.

U.S. President Donald Trump and other dignitaries have left the Vatican.

The Holy See Press Office has updated its attendance estimate, now reporting that approximately 250,000 mourners have gathered to pay their respects to the late pontiff.

The procession carrying Pope Francis’ body is now underway to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial, following the previously announced route through central Rome.

Members of the diplomatic corps, including world leaders and dignitaries, are departing from St. Peter’s Square as the solemn transfer of the pope’s remains continues to its final destination.

Map showing funeral procession route from St. Peter's Basilica to Santa Maria Maggiore. Credit: EWTN News

Funeral Mass of Pope Francis: Full text and video of homily

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Click here to to read the full homil by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, at the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, April 26, 2025.

Funeral Mass of Pope Francis closes with beautiful prayer

April 26, 2025 at 06:17 am ET

As the funeral Mass concludes at St. Peter‘s Square, the Church bids farewell to Pope Francis.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, who presided over the Mass, praised Francis’ “missionary vision, human warmth, spontaneity, witness to mercy, and charisma of welcome and listening.”

Read the full story here.

Faithful line the streets near Vatican to bid farewell to Pope Francis

April 26, 2025 at 06:00 am ET

As the funeral Mass gradually draws to a close on early Saturday afternoon, people are lining up close to the Vatican’s Perugino Gate to bid farewell as Pope Francis leaves the Vatican for the very last time.

The coffin of the 266th pontiff will be brought to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The burial location is in accordance with the wishes the Holy Father publicized prior to his death.

While about 200,000 faithful take part in the funeral Mass on St. Peter’s Square, many people line the streets outside the Vatican on April 26, 2025. Credit: Hannah Brockhaus/CNA

Holy See reports 200,000 mourners present for funeral Mass of Pope Francis

The Holy See Press Office confirms approximately 200,000 people are currently in attendance at the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas.

The announcement comes from Vatican officials as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re continues to preside over the solemn funeral liturgy.

The massive gathering represents one of the largest assemblies of mourners in Vatican City since the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, reflecting the global impact of Pope Francis’ pontificate.

Funeral Mass of Pope Francis begins in St. Peter’s Square

Pallbearers carry the wooden coffin of Pope Francis, marked with a cross, into St. Peter's Square for the funeral Mass on April 26, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is now underway at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, where tens of thousands of mourners have gathered to bid farewell to the 266th pontiff.

As the coffin emerged from the basilica shortly after 10 a.m. Rome time, the solemn silence gave way to applause — a gesture of respect and final salute.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, is presiding over the funeral liturgy for the Argentine pontiff who led the Catholic Church for 12 years.

A view of the coffin of Pope Francis resting before the altar at the funeral Mass on St. Peter’s Square, April 26, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which is a break from the recent papal tradition of being buried in the Vatican grottoes. The burial location is in accordance with the wishes the Holy Father publicized prior to his death. 

Today’s funeral starts off the traditional “Novendiales,” nine consecutive days of mourning for the suffrage of the late pope.

Cardinals, bishops, and dignitaries fill St. Peter's Square as the funeral Mass of Pope Francis gets underway beneath bright Roman skies on April 26, 2025. Credit: Elias Turk/EWTN News

President Trump arrives as world leaders gather for Pope Francis’ funeral

President Donald Trump’s motorcade has arrived at Vatican City, joining the procession of global leaders coming to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. The presidential limousine, accompanied by Secret Service vehicles and Italian security forces, made its way through the specially cleared routes to St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral Mass scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are among more than 100 heads of state and government leaders attending the funeral, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei representing the pontiff’s homeland and numerous European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Former U.S. President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden are also expected to attend.

Patriarchs and prelates from many denominations and churches as well as religious representatives from around the world are also in attendance.

The gathering represents one of the largest assemblies of world leaders in recent years, demonstrating Pope Francis’ global influence during his 12-year pontificate. Security measures throughout Rome are extraordinarily tight, with Italian military and police securing a wide perimeter around Vatican City, including the Tiber River.

Watch Live: Pope Francis funeral Mass streaming from Vatican City

Watch now: The funeral Mass of Pope Francis is being livestreamed from St. Peter’s Square by EWTN Vatican, allowing Catholics worldwide to participate in this historic moment of prayer and remembrance.

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