In brief
In St. Peter's Square, a diverse array of dignitaries, including presidents and monarchs, paid tribute at the pope's funeral, showcasing his global impact.
In a poignant ceremony on Saturday, St. Peter's Square was filled with tens of thousands of mourners, including prominent world leaders and royals, as they gathered to honor Pope Francis, who passed away recently. Among those in attendance were President Trump and his wife Melania, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who garnered a warm reception from the crowd. Vatican protocol placed reigning monarchs like King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain in prominent seats, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy and President Javier Milei of Argentina enjoying front-row status. Also present were dignitaries from Africa and Asia, marking the Catholic Church's growing influence in those regions.In a touching moment away from the spotlight, Julian Assange and his family were also there to express gratitude for the pope’s past support during his imprisonment.The gathering illustrated the pope's immense reach, uniting leaders and citizens alike in heartfelt remembrance.
