Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday following his death at the age of 88, with around 400,000 mourners gathering in Vatican City to bid a final farewell—far exceeding initial expectations.
The ceremony broke with Vatican tradition, as Francis had requested a simpler funeral with a single wooden coffin rather than the elaborate three-coffin system used for previous pontiffs.
Addressing the crowd during the service, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said Pope Francis's "final image" will forever be him greeting worshippers despite severe health struggles on Easter Sunday.
"The final image we have of him, which will remain etched in our memory, in our eyes and our hearts is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, despite his serious health problems, wanted to give us his blessings from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica," Cardinal Re said.
"He then came down to this square to greet from his open pope-mobile the large crowd gathered for the Easter mass."
Among the 170 international delegations attending were US President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William. Zelensky was greeted by applause as he emerged from St Peter's Basilica and reportedly had a brief meeting with President Trump, with further discussions planned after the funeral.
Earlier, President Trump and First Lady Melania were granted a private moment inside St Peter's Basilica beside the Pope's coffin. Former US president Joe Biden was also present, and was seen being assisted down steps by his wife Jill and a priest.
Our liveblog will bring you minute-by-minute updates from this historic day in Rome as the Catholic Church prepares to select its next leader in the coming weeks.
Mourners gather for rosary
20:14 , Bill Bowkett
Mourners have gathered for the rosary, a set of prayers, outside the Santa Maria Maggiore in Vatican City following Pope Francis’ funeral.
Nearly 250 delegations in attendance
20:00 , Bill Bowkett
Some 249 delegations, including heads of state, royals and religious representatives, attended Francis’ funeral, Rome’s police chief Lamberto Giannini said — 80 more than John Paul II's funeral in 2005.
Four arrested for pickpocketing
19:24 , Bill BowkettDespite the good behaviour from those in attendance, Italian police said they arrested four people on suspicion of pickpocketing during the funeral.
Sinn Fein: Francis man of 'immense courage'
19:06 , Bill Bowkett
Northern Ireland First Minister and Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill said: "We said goodbye to a leader of great stature, immense courage, and deep humility. A man who carried forward a powerful vision for a fairer, more just, and peaceful world."
In full: Trump turns on Putin
19:01 , Bill BowkettHere is US president Donald Trump’s full post on his Truth Social platform in which he turned on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
“No matter what deal I make with respect to Russia/Ukraine, no matter how good it is, even if it’s the greatest deal ever made, The Failing New York Times will speak BADLY of it. Liddle’ Peter Baker, the very biased and untalented writer for The Times, followed his Editor’s demands and wrote that Ukraine should get back territory, including, I suppose, Crimea, and other ridiculous requests, in order to stop the killing that is worse than anything since World War II.
“Why doesn’t this lightweight reporter say that it was Obama who made it possible for Russia to steal Crimea from Ukraine without even a shot being fired. It was also Liddle’ Peter who wrote an absolutely fawning, yet terribly written Biography, on Obama. It was a JOKE! Did Baker ever criticize the Obama Crimea Giveaway? NO, not once, only TRUMP, and I’ve had nothing to do with this stupid war, other than early on, when I gave Ukraine Javelins, and Obama gave them sheets.
“This is Sleepy Joe Biden’s War, not mine. It was a loser from day one, and should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened if I were President at the time. I’m just trying to clean up the mess that was left to me by Obama and Biden, and what a mess it is.
“With all of that being said, there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!”
'400,000 people attend funeral'
18:50 , Bill Bowkett
"We estimate not fewer than 400,000 people between those present in St Peter's Square and those along the route," Italian interior minister Matteo Piantedosi told news programme TG5.
Who could be the next Pope?
18:40 , Bill Bowkett
The Catholic College of Cardinals convening to elect a new pope is one of the oldest methods of electing a head of state.
Columnist Melanie McDonagh looks at who is in contention for the role.
Revealed: Details of Pope's burial
18:20 , Bill Bowkett
The Vatican has shared more details about the burial of the Pope.
They said Francis has been laid to rest "in the side aisle of the Basilica of St Mary Major, between the Pauline Chapel, where his beloved icon of Our Lady ‘Salus Populi Romani’ is located, and the Sforza Chapel”.
The burial rite was preceded by four psalms before a final prayer.
His coffin was placed in the tomb and sprinkled with holy water while Regina Caeli was chanted.
Trump accuses Putin of 'stringing him along' over Ukraine peace talks
18:08 , Bill Bowkett
Donald Trump has accused Vladimir Putin of stringing him along over peace talks between Ukraine and Russia following an extraordinary one-to-one meeting with Vlodymyr Zelensky before the Pope’s funeral.
The US President has become increasingly frustrated at Russia's unwillingness to quickly negotiate a ceasefire deal and suspects the Russian dictator “doesn’t want to stop the war”.
Priest: Trump and Zelensky’s meeting was ‘Pope Francis’s miracle’
17:58 , Bill BowkettProfessor Father Francesco Giordano, who attended the Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, told Sky News: “It was very a moving experience. It was also moving to see what they are now calling ‘Pope Francis’s miracle’ with Trump and Zelensky meeting, there’s so many things that happened today. It was just overwhelming.”
Zelensky meets with Starmer following Pope's funeral
14:13 , Josh ButlerVolodymyr Zelensky has followed up on his earlier conversations with Donald Trump and other European world leaders as they attended the Pope’s funeral with a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The Ukrainian president walked and talked with the British prime minister after the conclusion of the ceremony, where he talked to reporters about the sensitivity of questions surrounding peace talks involving the US and Russia.
Speaking to a Ukrainian journalist, Zelensky said that he had discussed recent meetings with European and Ukrainian officials in Paris and London, saying: “We want to continue such meetings to bring peace to Ukraine."
Swinney hails 'very moving' and 'uplifting' funeral
13:33 , Sami QuadriJohn Swinney has said the funeral of Pope Francis was “very moving” and “uplifting” after attending the ceremony in the Vatican.
The First Minister also spoke of his own experience of Christianity, saying it “makes me who I am”.
He was one of many Scots who travelled to Rome for the funeral, following the death of the Catholic Church’s leader on Easter Monday.
Mr Swinney spoke to the PA news agency from St Peter’s Square just after the funeral.
He said: “It’s been a very moving ceremony, a very dignified ceremony, paying tribute to a life of service in arguing for the protection of the poor and to support those who seek justice.
“But also an uplifting service about the hope for the world that Pope Francis conveyed.”
Pope's coffin carried into final resting place
12:44 , Josh ButlerThe coffin of Pope Francis has been seen by the public for the last time as it moves into the church of Santa Maria Maggiore to be buried.
The rest of the funeral ceremony will take place in private as the Pope is laid to rest in a simple tomb with only the word “Franciscus” inscribed on it, being the Latin for the Pope’s chosen name.
Zelensky praises "potentially historic" meeting with Trump
12:36 , Josh ButlerVolodymyr Zelensky has said he had a “good meeting” with President Trump ahead of the Pope’s funeral ceremony today, saying that the conversation has the “potential to become historic”.
The Ukrainian president made the statement on X after his spoke with his American counterpart.
He said: "Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered.
"Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.
"Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."
Trump leaves Rome
12:29 , Josh ButlerDonald Trump has left Rome in Air Force One, pictured here with his wife Melania waving goodbye at the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
The US president reportedly had conversations with Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Zelensky as they attended the Pope’s funeral early today.
Santa Maria Maggiore - the church the Pope chose for his burial
12:21 , Josh ButlerPope Francis will be the first Pope for 100 years not to be buried at the Vatican, instead choosing to lie in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
His coffin will remain in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in a church which holds a personal significance to the late pope.
Francis held a special reverence for the Virgin Mary, and the Santa Maria Maggiore was the first church to be built dedicated to this religious figure.
This will make today the first time since Leo XIII’s funeral in 1903 that a Pope has been buried outside of the Vatican.
Pope Francis will be the 8th Pope to be laid to rest in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore and one of around 90 not to be buried in the Vatican.
Coffin makes final journey in modified 'popemobile'
11:50 , Josh ButlerThe Pope’s coffin is now being transported in an armoured ‘popemobile’ hearse to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the coffin will lie.
The vehicle is a modified version of the bulletproof car used by the Pope to greet crowds in safety while remaining visible.
Thousands have gathered in the streets to watch and pay their respects to the late Pope as it drives through the streets of Rome.
Bells can be heard ringing in the distance as mourners clap and cheers the passing of the precession.
Italy's interior ministry has told Sky News that a police officer every ten meters has been deployed to line the streets at the hearse drives by.
Pictured: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump meeting at St Peter's Basilica
11:46 , Sami Quadri
Pictured: European leaders huddled in conversation with Trump
11:38 , Josh ButlerKeir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron are pictured in conversation with Donald Trump before attending the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis.
Many politicians and dignitaries appear to have been taking advantage of the rare diplomatic density of the Pope’s funeral, with dozens of presidents and prime ministers crammed into St Peter’s Square together.
Trump reportedly had meetings with state leaders including prime minister Zelensky ahead of the service this morning. and is planning to follow up with another meeting later today.
Funeral service comes to an end with coffin carried away
11:20 , Josh ButlerThe requiem mass has concluded in the Vatican with the Pope’s coffin being carried back into St Peter’s Basilica.
Pallbearers lifted the coffin away amid a muted applause from the over 250,000 strong crowd of mourners.
Pope's coffin 'purified' with incense and sprinkled with holy water
11:07 , Josh ButlerThe Pope’s coffin was ‘purified’ with incense and sprinkled with holy water in one of the final acts of the ceremony while a prayer of the Eastern Christian Church was read.
The Pope had a particular intention to bring the churches of the east and west closer together during his reign.
The prayer was followed by the clergy singing.
Pictured: dramatic scenes of grief and sentiment as Pope's funeral comes to an end
10:56 , Josh ButlerThe service has almost concluded with final prayers being read out and the faithful saying a final goodbye to the late Pope.
Ceremony draws to a close with final farewell
10:43 , Josh ButlerThe funeral service is nearing its end with the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, commending the late Pope’s soul to God and asking for consolation for the Catholic Church.
As the last act of the ceremony, the coffin will be sprinkled with holy water and incense following final prayers being read out.
Cardinal Battista has said: "Dear brothers and sisters, let us commend to God's tender mercy the soul of Pope Francis, bishop of the Catholic.
"Church, who confirmed his brothers and sisters in the faith of the resurrection."
Ceremony for the Pope in Pictures: vast crowds arranged in immaculate order listen to service
10:38 , Josh Butler
Handshakes for peace - Trump and Macron in moment of goodwill
10:34 , Josh ButlerPoliticians have reportedly been asked to shake hands with those sat near them in a display of peace and fellowship for the Pope’s funeral Ceremony.
Presidents Trump and Macron were pictured putting differences aside for a brief moment to honour the gesture of goodwill.
Prince William spoke with Trump ahead of ceremony
10:23 , Josh ButlerThe Prince of Wales had a brief conversation with President Trump and first lady Melania Trump as made he way to the funeral ceremony, Kensington Palace has said.
Prince William also spoke with French President Macron before the service began.
It is the first time William has represented the monarch at an international funeral.
President Trump also had a reported meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the funeral, and has planned to speak again with the Ukrainian president after the service has concluded.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista met with applause as he remembers Pope's charitable work with refugees
10:13 , Josh ButlerThe leader of the service, Cardinal Giovanni Battista, garnered appreciation from the crowds of clergy, world leaders and faithful as he commemorated the late Pope’s work with the poor, especially a visit to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.
The island is a notorious gateway for migrants seeking to enter Europe.
The audience at St Peter’s Square applauded when Battista mentioned the Pope’s visit in 2013.
During the visit, Pope Francis cast a wreath into the sea in memory of the migrants who drowned attempting to cross into Italy.
The cardinal described the Pope Francis’s work with the poor as “constant” and that his visit to Lampedusa was “significant”, with the island symbolising “the tragedy of emigration, with thousands of people drowning at sea".
He also said: “In the same vein was his trip to Lesbos, together with the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop of Athens, as well as the celebration of a Mass on the border between Mexico and the United States during his journey to Mexico .”
Cardinal Giovanni Battista delivers homily praising Pope's progressive legacy
09:56 , Josh ButlerThe Italian dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, is delivering the homily to the assembled crowds of clergy, world leaders and faithful.
The homily serves as a commentary on the life and passing of Pope Francis, remembering the impact he had on the Catholic church and the legacy he will leave.
The Cardinal described the massive outpouring of sentiment and affection following the Pope’s passing.
He said: “Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life.”
Giovanni also touched upon the progressive views of the late Pope, saying that he was always “attentive to the signs of the times”.
Trump and Zelensky spoke in private ahead of Pope's funeral ceremony
09:43 , Josh ButlerDonald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting before the funeral ceremony, sources have told Sky News.
The pair have reportedly taken advantage of the diplomatic opportunities the Pope funeral offers, with world leaders from across the globe gathering in St Peter’s Square.
A further meeting is reportedly planned following the service, coming after President Trump said that Russia and Ukraine were “very close” to a peace deal.
Ceremony begins with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re addressing the gathered crowds
09:32 , Josh ButlerThe dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will be leading the day’s service.
He began by performing the Penitential Act, a way for the faithful to confess their sins.
The dean has now moved on to the Liturgy of the word, a series of Bible readings including from the Acts of the Apostles and the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Coffin carried to St Peter's Square as ceremony officially begins
09:19 , Josh ButlerFourteen pallbearers moved the simple coffin through St Peter's Basilica into St Peter's Square for the start of the ceremony.
The funeral mass begins with the entrance antiphon, a series of psalm verses or scripture passages which are traditionally sung or read aloud.
Volodymyr Zelensky meets applause as he enters St Peter's Square
09:13 , Josh ButlerThe Ukrainian Prime Minister was greeted by some applause from the gathered crowds as he walked into the square ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral.
Zelensky followed Donald Trump into the square where dignitaries shook hands with each other and members of the assembled clergy before taking their seats for the start of the service.
Pictured: Keir Starmer and wife Victoria walk ahead of funeral mass as service is about to start
09:05 , Josh Butler
Pictured: President Macron has moment inside St Peter's Basilica to pay respects to Pope's coffin
09:00 , Josh Butler
Pictured: Clergy, Cardinals and crowds take their seats ahead of service to begin shortly
08:57 , Josh Butler
Donald Trump and wife Melania pictured inside St Peter's Basilica paying respects to the Pope's coffin
08:54 , Josh Butler
Pictured: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives at the Vatican ahead of Pope's funeral
08:49 , Josh Butler
Pictured: President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, walks ahead of the funeral mass of Pope Francis
08:46 , Josh Butler
How world leaders will be seated at Pope Francis’s funeral
08:34The elaborate seating plan for Pope Francis's funeral, which will host 170 world leaders, has been characterised by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of Catholics in England and Wales, as a "master plan" in stage-managing "big egos".
Official delegations will be positioned in a designated section to the right of the altar atop the steps leading to St. Peter's Basilica.
Given priority in the seating arrangements will be Francis's native Argentina, followed by Italy, reflecting the pope's role as both bishop of Rome and leader of the country's Catholic bishops.
Following these countries, royalty such as Prince William will be organised "in alphabetical order, but in French language", in keeping with diplomatic tradition.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed on Friday that no distinction would be made between Catholic and non-Catholic monarchs in determining the seating order.
After royalty will come heads of state, and then heads of government including the UK prime minister and current US President Donald Trump - who may be disappointed to find himself not in the front row.
Gen Z Catholics pay tribute to Pope Francis amid surge in young churchgoers
08:33 , Josh ButlerYoung ‘Gen Z’ Catholics have paid tribute to the late Pope Francis as a recent survey reveals a dramatic growth in Catholicism among young adults.
The Quiet Revival survey, commissioned by the Bible Society and conducted by YouGov, found that 18 to 24-year-olds are the second largest churchgoing group in the UK, rising from 4% to 16% between 2018 and 2024.
These figures have also increased among 25 to 34-year-olds, going from 4% to 13% church attendance during the same time period.
James Gallagher, 25, a youth minister intern from Aberdeen, Scotland, cited the sense of community that the church brings to explain its new attraction to young people.
Mr Gallagher, an economics graduate, had started a career in the financial services after leaving university but decided to pursue a more meaningful career closer to his faith.
He told PA news: "I went into financial services for a year and a half, and I had done some other things for about six months after that, just some travelling, sailing and working at another company.
"It was enjoyable and everything but this meant more to me.
"Christians go out, they go out to tell people that Christ loves them."
Mr Gallagher was raised as a Catholic, but said he began to take his faith seriously in his mid teens and got involved in the Catholic community at the University of Edinburgh.
"At the age of 15, I thought I am Christian, and started taking things a bit more seriously," he said.
"It wasn't till I went to university and got involved in the chaplaincy and met other young people my age that I really became alive."
While studying, Mr Gallagher volunteered for a homelessness project run by nuns and considered becoming a priest.
He said: "Young people are encouraged by the community aspect of the Church.
"We've got more people coming and there is just more of an interest in all facets."
Mr Gallagher, who is currently working at a Catholic Retreat Centre, in Keswick in Cumbria, said the passing of Pope Francis has brought Catholicism to the forefront again.
"Pope Francis was definitely going out to the margins, helping people and so on," he said.
"He was progressive as he tried to do things with refugees and to kind of shake up things a bit and get us out of our comfort zone."
He said he hopes the next pope will bring more of a focus on missionary work.
Alice Bryant, a 28-year-old primary school teacher from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, who was raised Catholic, said she started to take her faith more seriously in recent years.
Ms Bryant told PA: "I kind of fell away from the Church, as I think a lot of people do.
"Then I came back just a couple of years ago, with a firm faith, whereas before growing up, it wasn't as firm.
"I go to mass without fail every Sunday. And then if I can during school holidays, I might go during the day as well.”
Ms Bryant said a lot of young people are turning to religion as they are interrogating the world around them and figuring out how they want to live.
She said: "There's been a resurgence in young adults coming to church.
"I've been quite active in trying to create and be part of a community, because I think that is really important in your faith."
Although Ms Bryant considers the passing of the Pope a solemn moment, she said his death coming at Easter was at a “beautiful time”.
Pictured: Former US President Joe Biden arrives in St Peter's Square for Pope's funeral
08:19 , Sami Quadri
Zelensky arrives in Rome for Pope Francis's funeral
07:23 , Sami QuadriUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska have arrived in Rome to attend Pope Francis's funeral ceremony at the Vatican, according to Ukrainian media reports citing a government spokesperson.
Questions had surrounded the President's attendance at the funeral following massive Russian air strikes on Kyiv earlier this week.
Pictured: Huge crowds gather in St Peter's Square ahead of funeral
06:58 , Sami Quadri
How to watch Pope Francis's funeral
06:19 , Sami QuadriBoth the BBC and Sky News will provide special coverage of the pope's funeral ceremony.
The BBC News special will commence at 8.30am and is scheduled to continue until 12.30pm. Meanwhile, Sky News will begin their coverage earlier at 7am, broadcasting until 1pm.
ITV has announced it will offer a live stream on its online platform ITVX throughout the day.
The Vatican will also broadcast the funeral live on its YouTube channel. They have stated they would offer coverage in 15 different languages.
Pope Francis' face covered with a silk cloth
Friday 25 April 2025 22:28 , Megan HoweArchbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli was seen covering the face of Pope Francis with a silk cloth before closing his casket in St. Peter's Basilica on Friday.
It marks a tradition dating back to 1969, with the burial of Pope Paul VI.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky may miss Pope Francis' funeral, according to reports
Friday 25 April 2025 21:12 , Megan HowePresident Zelensky may miss Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome tomorrow because of important military meetings, according to the BBC.
It comes after Russia’s strike on Kyiv on Thursday, whereby 12 people were killed and another 90 injured, according to reports.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 215 drones and missiles in an overnight attack, of which 48 missiles and 64 drones were shot down.
According to the BBC, Zelensky has confirmed he may have to attend a “number of meetings” as a result of the strike.
He told reporters: “If I am not (there) in time, Ukraine will be represented at a proper level”, noting that Ukraine's foreign minister and first lady will be there.
In pictures: Emmanuel Macron pays his respects to Pope Francis
Friday 25 April 2025 21:01 , Megan Howe
Cardinals seal Pope Francis' coffin, ending his lying in state
Friday 25 April 2025 20:46 , Megan HowePope Francis’ coffin was sealed on Friday night in a private rite, ending three days of his body lying in state at the Vatican.
Some 250,000 mourners paid their respects to Pope Francis, the Vatican said on the eve of his funeral.
World leaders and dignitaries were arriving in Rome on Friday, to attend what will be a huge gathering in St Peter's Square for his requiem mass.
The rite of sealing his coffin was led by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the church, who has been tasked with leading funeral arrangements.
According to the Vatican press office, other church officials assisted, including the Venezuelan archbishop, the Brazilian prelate and the late pope’s secretaries assisted.
World leaders arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis
Friday 25 April 2025 20:40 , Megan HoweUS President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were among those due to arrive into Rome on Friday, and the Prince of Wales is also set to attend the mass on behalf of his father the King.
Irish President Michael D Higgins was among those to pay his respects in the basilica, having arrived earlier in the day.
The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, has predicted the funeral will be a "masterpiece" in stage-managing "big egos".
A Vatican spokesperson has confirmed Francis's birth country of Argentina, then Italy, will take precedence.
Thereafter, reigning sovereigns will be seated "in alphabetical order, but in French language", followed by heads of state.
Ireland's delegation comes ahead of both Prince William and the British Government delegation in the official order of precedence, because it is led by head of state Mr Higgins.
It falls between groups from Indonesia and Iceland, also led by those countries' heads of state.
Haakon, the Crown Prince of Norway, and William follow soon after in a category set aside for crown princes.
The British Government delegation includes Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria, as well as Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Doors closed to public St Peter's Basilica after 170,000 pay respects
Friday 25 April 2025 18:11 , Matt WattsThe doors have now closed to members of the public at St Peter's Basilica.
It marks the end to three days in which Pope Francis's open coffin has been lying in state.
In its most recent update, the Vatican has said at least 170,000 people from around the world have been to pay their respects to the pontiff since Wednesday.
Pope Francis's funeral will be a 'symbol of his humility'
Friday 25 April 2025 17:45 , Sami QuadriPope Francis’s funeral will be “a symbol of his humility”, the head of a Catholic aid organisation has said.
Thousands of people are expected to gather ahead of Saturday’s funeral to bid a final farewell to Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
Christine Allen, director of the Catholic Agencies For Overseas Development (Cafod), said the late pontiff left a “massive legacy” and had dedicated his papacy to trying to make the world a better place.
Speaking at Cafod’s office in central London, Mrs Allen said: “I think this particular funeral is different to other papal funerals.
“What we are seeing is a symbol of Pope Francis’s humility… his love, his concern for the people who are the poorest.”
Francis introduced changes to the papal funeral rites in 2024 which were aimed at simplifying the ceremonies.
While his predecessors St John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI lay in state upon an elevated bier, Francis’s body rested inside a simple coffin barely raised from the floor of St Peter’s Basilica.
Francis also asked for his tomb to be “in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
Macron rules out Ukraine talks during Pope’s funeral in Rome
Friday 25 April 2025 17:28Speculation about diplomatic talks on Ukraine taking place alongside Pope Francis's funeral have been dashed after France's Emmanuel Macron ruled out hosting any meetings.
The Elysee Palace confirmed on Friday that the French president would not arrange diplomatic discussions on the sidelines of Saturday's ceremony, despite speculation that world leaders might use the gathering for peace talks.
US President Donald Trump will make only a brief appearance in Rome, spending just 15 hours in the Italian capital. He is expected to arrive late Friday evening and depart immediately after the funeral service concludes.
Michelle O’Neill praises Pope Francis’s ‘unwavering commitment to peace’
Friday 25 April 2025 16:59 , Sami QuadriNorthern Ireland's first minister Michelle O'Neill has praised Pope Francis's "unwavering commitment to justice and peace" as she prepares to attend his funeral.
The Sinn Fein vice president has cut short a family holiday to travel to Rome for Saturday's ceremony, joining world leaders from across the globe.
"I am proud to be attending the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, paying my respects on behalf of everyone at home who cherished his leadership and looked to him as a spiritual and moral guide," she said.
Ms O'Neill added: "Pope Francis will be remembered as a leader of deep humility, compassion and courage, with an unwavering commitment to justice and peace. His passing is deeply felt in Ireland and across the world, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions."
Trump boards Air Force One for Pope’s funeral in Rome
Friday 25 April 2025 16:24 , Sami QuadriUS President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania have left Washington DC on Air Force One, heading to Rome for Pope Francis's funeral.
They join a growing list of world leaders making their way to the Vatican for tomorrow's service, including former President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William will represent Britain at the ceremony, while other high-profile attendees include Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Funeral will be ‘masterpiece of stage management’, says British cardinal
Friday 25 April 2025 14:22 , Sami QuadriA British cardinal has predicted that Saturday's funeral will be a "masterpiece" of diplomatic stage management as world leaders with "big egos" descend on Rome.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, expressed confidence in the Vatican's ability to handle the high-profile gathering of international dignitaries.
The Archbishop of Westminster said the funeral will be "without a doubt another masterpiece of stage management when you consider those state leaders who have high opinions of their importance."
"In the past, I've seen it here over and over again that the combination of Rome and the Holy See, they actually are geniuses at dealing with these big events," he added.
"I think they've been doing it since the emperors ruled Rome – that they know how to deal with big egos. And I think every leader of a nation that comes here on Saturday, will go home reasonably content."
British theologian: ‘All bets are off’ on who next Pope will be
Friday 25 April 2025 14:01 , Sami QuadriA British theologian who worked at the Vatican during Francis's papacy believes the selection of the next Pope is impossible to predict.
Professor Anna Rowlands of Durham University, who spent two years seconded to the Vatican, dismissed current speculation about the papal succession.
"Genuinely nobody knows... I think all bets are off," she said.
"And that's partly because the process is genuinely both secret, so it happens in private, but also because the makeup of this College of Cardinals is very different from anyone that's been here to elect a pope before."
The theologian expects an unpredictable conclave that could produce a surprise candidate.
"It's going to be, I think, a surprise conclave, that is totally unpredictable at this point, but I think will produce, potentially, a really interesting candidate who possibly none of us will know," she added.
Nearly 130,000 mourners pay respects to Pope Francis in Vatican
Friday 25 April 2025 13:58 , Sami QuadriNearly 130,000 mourners have filed past Pope Francis's body since it was brought to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, according to Vatican officials.
On Friday morning, queues stretched halfway down the main boulevard leading from Rome into the Vatican as people waited patiently to bid farewell to the pontiff, Reuters reported.
Public viewings will end at 7pm this evening, when the Vatican will perform a formal rite to seal the late pope's coffin ahead of tomorrow's funeral.
