This morning, Pope Francis’ coffin was officially sealed inside St Peter’s Basilica in Rome as his funeral started.
For the past three days, thousands of people visited the basilica to see the Pope lying in state. The viewing ended at 7 p.m. on Friday, marked by a guard change at his open coffin.
Because of the huge number of visitors, the Vatican kept St Peter’s Basilica open all night so everyone could pay their respects.
Today, many world leaders and royals have gathered at St Peter’s Square for the funeral mass. Some notable attendees include US President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Prince of Wales, French President Emmanuel Macron, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
It is a historic moment as people from all over the world come together to honor Pope Francis.
