Pope Francis laid to rest as 250,000 attend funeral mass [Photos]

Tens of thousands gathered at the Vatican on Saturday, April 26. They came to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. The funeral ceremony was solemn and simplified.

More than 250,000 mourners filled St. Peter’s Square. The two-hour service included traditional Catholic rites. After the funeral, the pope's coffin was taken to Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. He was entombed in this gold basilica, the highest point in Rome.

The funeral occurred just six days after Pope Francis' last public appearance. This was during Easter celebrations. Attendees included 130 official delegations with world leaders and royalty.

Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the service. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the mass as one of the highest-ranking officials in the Church. In his sermon, he praised Pope Francis as “a pope among the people.” He commended his legacy of compassion and openness.

Rome said farewell to the ‘people’s Pope.’