Pope Francis’ Extraordinary Funeral Unfolds in a Sunlit Vatican

Pope Francis I, the humblest of popes, was laid to rest in an irresistible orgy of pomp and splendor at the Vatican on Saturday, attended by kings, queens, and heads of state. President Donald Trump was unexpectedly allocated a front-row seat, as was President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

Trump and his wife Melania, who arrived in Italy on Friday night on Airforce One, and spent the night at Villa Taverna, the official residence of the U.S. ambassador, were given a privileged moment with the pope’s coffin inside St Peter’s Basilica, before the casket was brought outside for the funeral mass in Saint Peter’s Square.

U.S President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to attend  the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. / Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

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