Vatican authorities have reported that over 250,000 mourners assembled on Saturday, April 26, to bid farewell to Pope Francis.

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The funeral ceremony, which lasted 2 hours and 10 minutes, concluded with the tolling of the bells at St. Peter’s Basilica, signaling the end of the service.

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Following the mass, the pontiff’s coffin was taken across the River Tiber to Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where the bells rang once more in anticipation of its arrival.

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The ceremony closed with the chanting of the Magnificat, also known as the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,” the choir intoned.

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As the service ended, the coffin of Pope Francis was carried once more through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

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The slow, solemn ringing of bells accompanied the approach toward the main altar, as pallbearers prepared to return the coffin inside the basilica.

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At that moment, the crowd — silent through much of the funeral — erupted into applause.

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Cardinals rose from their seats in St. Peter’s Square, following the coffin back into the basilica. Across the gathered masses, a spirit of calm reverence prevailed.

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Observers lining the edges of the square watched quietly, joining in song and prayer when invited, and offering applause when Pope Francis’ coffin came into view.

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Despite the tightly packed crowds, people respectfully made space for those who wished to kneel in prayer.

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A shift in atmosphere occurred as mourners exchanged handshakes of peace, and priests stepped forward to distribute communion. Although many were able to receive the Eucharist, others remained behind barriers unable to reach the front.

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Standing at Piazza Pio XII, one could hear a multitude of languages — at least five — and see flags from Argentina, Lebanon, Venezuela, and Bosnia and Herzegovina waving, highlighting the pontiff’s global appeal.

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In spite of the heat, families with young children and elderly pilgrims filled the square, with volunteers handing out water to those gathered further back.

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Newly released images captured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump meeting privately earlier that day inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

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Ukraine’s presidency published photos showing the two leaders seated face-to-face. According to the White House, the meeting was described as “productive.”

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Additional photographs showed the two accompanied by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

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Throughout the funeral, much of the music was performed in plainchant — a simple, ancient form of singing rooted in early Christianity.

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Though often associated with Gregorian chant, historians now believe Pope Gregory I did not actually invent it. The prestigious Sistine Chapel Choir, comprising 20 men and 30 boys, provided the music, mixing plainchant with more complex polyphonic pieces, though the Vatican did not specify the composers.

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This musical style presented a contrast to the elaborate hymns performed at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

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Following the distribution of communion, which lasted about 10 minutes, the congregation observed a quiet period of reflection leading into the commendation of Pope Francis’ soul.

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The cardinals, invoking the names of numerous Catholic saints, asked for their intercession on behalf of the late pope. A funeral prayer from the Byzantine Liturgy was then recited in Greek, followed by representatives from the Eastern Catholic Churches offering prayers.

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Despite being autonomous, these 23 churches recognize the pope’s authority and remain in full communion with Rome.

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Communion was distributed first to the cardinals, then to the broader congregation. Many worshipers knelt behind security barriers as priests made their way through the crowd.

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During the Eucharist, Cardinal Re consecrated the bread and wine, chanting the Lord’s Prayer with the gathered faithful. A Latin communion antiphon echoed across the square:"Out of the depths I cry to you O Lord; Lord hear my voice!"

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The ritual of the Sign of Peace followed, with congregants exchanging handshakes and saying, “Peace be with you.” US President Donald Trump was seen shaking hands with French President Emmanuel Macron during the rite.

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The funeral also marked the first meeting between Trump and Zelensky since their tense Oval Office encounter years ago. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed that the leaders had a “very productive discussion,” with further details expected soon.

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The talks took place amid rising tensions regarding Ukraine’s future, as Trump had recently criticized Zelensky over Crimea.

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However, after recent negotiations between Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Steve Witkoff, Trump suggested that a peace agreement was “very close.”

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Meanwhile, the cardinals moved forward with the most sacred portion of the mass: the Eucharistic Prayer. Cardinal Re incensed the altar before proceeding. After the prayer concluded, the choir led the congregation in chanting the Sanctus and then the Lord’s Prayer.

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Authorities controlled access to St. Peter’s Square, creating security corridors and limiting attendance to ensure order. Nonetheless, thousands of faithful crowded behind barriers stretching into Piazza Pio XII.

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During the Prayer of the Faithful, also called the Universal Prayer, a notable first took place — cardinals offered short prayers in six languages: Italian, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German, and Mandarin.

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“For us gathered here, that having celebrated the sacred mysteries, we may one day be called by Christ to enter his glorious kingdom,” read Cardinal Agostino Liu Bo.

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Pope Francis had long expressed a desire to visit China, and though unable to fulfill this wish, he traveled to Mongolia in 2023 to meet with Chinese Catholics and bishops. His appointment of Giorgio Marengo as the first Mongolian cardinal in 2022 was seen as part of ongoing efforts to foster relations with Beijing. Cardinal Marengo will participate in electing Francis' successor.

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Reflecting on Pope Francis’ life, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered the homily:“Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time of globalization.”“His gestures and exhortations in favor of refugees and displaced persons are countless. His insistence on working on behalf of the poor was constant,” Re continued, noting that the pope’s first trip as pontiff was to Lampedusa.

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About 150,000 people gathered at St Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis happening now. #CitiNewsroomVC:BBC News pic.twitter.com/mqms95ahRn— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) April 26, 2025

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