(NewsNation) — The funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City drew around 200,000 people who bid farewell to the 88-year-old pontiff Saturday, according to the Vatican.
Francis’ body laid in state for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica since Wednesday. He will be the first pope since 1903 to be buried somewhere other than the Vatican, opting to be interred at St. Mary Major.
Crowds gathered outside in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral mass where Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, delivered the Liturgy of the Word, or readings from scripture.
“Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us,” said Re, who presided over the ceremony. “We ask you from heaven, may you bless the church. May you bless Rome and bless the whole world as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica.”
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden attended.
The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re prays in front of the coffin during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The coffin of Pope Francis is placed on the ground in St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, center, arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A view of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
A person prays during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
President Donald Trump, left, and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Clergy arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Clergy attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Nuns attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
