Presidents, royalty, and ordinary citizens came together at the Vatican on Saturday to say their final goodbyes to Pope Francis, as tributes highlighted his lifelong commitment to migrants, the vulnerable, and environmental stewardship.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who often found himself at odds with Francis over these issues, sat among a long row of international dignitaries on one side of the pontiff’s simple wooden coffin in a sun-drenched St. Peter’s Square.

Facing them were the Catholic cardinals who will soon gather for a conclave to elect the next pope, weighing whether to continue Francis' progressive vision or steer the Church back toward a more conservative path.

Francis, originally from Argentina, served as pope for 12 years before passing away at the age of 88 on Monday following a stroke.

Leading the funeral Mass, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re described Francis as a pope filled with human warmth who deeply connected with the struggles of the modern world. In a tone that left little doubt, Re made it clear: the Church should not turn back. Francis, he said, had listened closely to the signs of the times and responded to the movement of the Holy Spirit within the Church.

Throughout his papacy, Francis had consistently advocated for peace. His funeral even provided a rare moment for diplomacy, with Trump meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy inside St. Peter’s Basilica — an encounter that appeared considerably more cordial than their tense last meeting in Washington.

As the ceremony began, applause broke out as 14 pallbearers carried Francis' coffin from the basilica into the massive square. The Vatican estimated that over 250,000 people packed the square and surrounding streets to pay their respects.

At the conclusion of the service, more applause echoed as the coffin was lifted and slightly tilted so the massive crowd could catch a final glimpse.

From above, the crowd painted a vivid picture — black-clad leaders, the red robes of cardinals, purple vestments of bishops, and the sea of white worn by thousands of priests.

Following the Mass, the coffin was placed onto an open popemobile for a final journey through Rome. In a break from long-standing tradition, Francis had requested to be buried not at the Vatican, but at St. Mary Major Basilica, marking the first time in more than 100 years that a pope would be laid to rest outside St. Peter’s.

The motorcade left through the Perugino Gate, near the modest Santa Marta residence where Francis chose to live instead of the lavish papal apartments.

Along the 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) route, an estimated 150,000 people lined the streets, waving signs, throwing flowers, and chanting "Viva il Papa" and "Ciao, Francesco" as the procession wound past Rome’s ancient landmarks, including the Colosseum.

Trump and Zelenskiy Share Moment Amid Mourning

The funeral also provided a stage for a diplomatic thaw. Trump and Zelenskiy were seen engaged in what officials called a "very productive discussion" inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Photos showed them leaning toward each other in serious conversation, signaling a softer tone compared to their last encounter.

Aside from Trump, the funeral drew numerous world leaders, including the presidents of Argentina, France, Germany, Poland, Gabon, and the Philippines, as well as the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand. Spain’s king and queen were among the many royals who paid their respects.

Three Days of Mourning Come to a Close

Over the three days leading up to the funeral, roughly 250,000 faithful filed past Francis’ body, lying in state before the grand altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

During the funeral Mass, Latin hymns filled the air and prayers were offered in a variety of languages — including Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic — highlighting the Catholic Church’s global reach.

Many pilgrims camped overnight to secure a place near the front. "When I arrived, I was overwhelmed with sadness but also gratitude," said Aurelie Andre, a pilgrim from France. "Pope Francis gave so much to the Church."

A Humble Farewell for a Humble Pope

True to his nature, Francis had requested a stripped-back funeral service. He simplified the traditional, elaborate rites used for previous popes, requesting a zinc-lined wooden coffin instead of the customary three-casket burial.

His final resting place at St. Mary Major is marked with a simple Latin inscription: "Franciscus." Above his tomb hangs a replica of the plain iron cross he often wore.

Next Steps for the Church

With mourning ceremonies now complete, attention turns to the upcoming conclave. Cardinals are expected to begin preliminary meetings before the formal process starts, likely after May 6. The Church faces the challenge of choosing a leader who can bridge growing ideological divides and address persistent financial struggles.