CNN —
Global Farewell to Pope Francis
The funeral of Pope Francis provided a chance for Catholics worldwide to pay their last respects to a revered pontiff, while also allowing global leaders to gather during a critical time for international relations.
Attendance and Mourning
According to the Vatican, over 250,000 individuals filled St. Peter’s Square for the ceremony on Saturday, including 55 heads of state who joined the public in mourning.
Noteworthy Conversations
A remarkable meeting occurred just minutes before the event as Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in what officials from both countries termed a “productive” conversation in St. Peter’s Basilica while preparations were being made for the coffin’s procession.
Setup of the Ceremony
St. Peter’s Square was organized into sections, with dignitaries, cardinals, and bishops seated closest to the basilica, while clergy and the general public stood a little farther back, where the coffin was positioned before the central altar.
Diplomatic Interactions
In an arrangement reflecting diplomatic tradition, politicians were seated in alphabetical order in French, placing Trump between the presidents of Finland and Estonia, both wary of a diminished US military presence in Europe. The two nations’ leaders had previously discussed European security during a golf outing in Florida.
Symbolic Discussion and Future Ambitions
Trump and Zelensky’s meeting, their first since a contentious Oval Office discussion in February, was characterized as positive, with Zelensky labeling the conversation “symbolic” and emphasizing its potential for historic outcomes. After the meeting, he expressed hope for achieving full peace and securing lives through a ceasefire.
Wider Attendance and Other Notables
Numerous royals and world leaders were present, including Britain’s Prince William, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Significant figures like the heads of major international organizations also attended, alongside Julian Assange, who made a rare appearance post-release from prison, accompanied by his family.
