World leaders, dignitaries, and over 200,000 people, they gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis, a spiritual leader who touched millions with his compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace. The clergy and faithful followers gathered in Vatican City for a solemn farewell steeped in tradition and prayer. These images, they capture the emotion, reverence, and historic significance of a day that marked the end of an extraordinary papacy. (1 of 17) Pallbearers, they carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis during the funeral ceremony in St Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images) (2 of 17) Pallbearers, they place the coffin of the late Pope Francis by the altar at the start of the funeral ceremony in St Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) (3 of 17) A photograph taken from St Peter Basilica shows a general view of the late Pope Francis’ coffin during the funeral ceremony in St Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
