World Leaders Gather For Pope Francis Funeral: Trump, Zelensky, Prince William Among Mourners (See Images)​on April 26, 2025 at 8:19 am

170 world leaders have joined an estimated 250,000 people gathered in Rome to farewell Pope Francis, whose funeral took place at St Peter’s Basilica.

WATCH LIVE: How To Watch Pope Francis’ Funeral From Cable Networks To Streaming

US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the high-profile figures to take their seats in front of The Vatican. Prince William attended on behalf of the UK’s King Charles and was seen paying his respects in front of Francis’s coffin ahead of the service.

Zelenskyy’s appearance prompted a spontaneous burst of applause from the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square. Trump is accompanied by his wife Melania.

Other guests to confirm their attendance included French President Emmanuel Macron and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

It is expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders since the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president in January.

The official funeral service began at 10am local time, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and lasted more than two hours. It included a moment to share a gesture of peace with neighbours, and Trump was seen shaking hands with Macron.

Pope Francis will be buried later this evening, bringing down the curtain on his 12-year tenure as the leader of the Catholic Church.

Then will begin the Conclave, when 90 cardinals will be cloistered to vote for and appoint Francis’s success. This ancient process has been made more familiar to non-Catholics in recent months due to the Oscar-nominated film starring Ralph Fiennes.