Sat Apr 26 06:44:10 UTC 2025: ## World Mourns Pope Francis as Millions Gather for Funeral
**Vatican City** – Hundreds of thousands of mourners, including world leaders and dignitaries, gathered in St. Peter’s Square today for the funeral of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff. The Argentinian-born pope, who died on Monday at age 88 after a 12-year papacy, was remembered for his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church and champion the poor.
An estimated 250,000 people paid their respects during the three days his body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Many mourners, some having waited overnight, described the late pope as a deeply compassionate and influential figure. “He was not just the pope, he was what the definition of being human is,” said one attendee who traveled from Los Angeles.
The funeral, a massive security operation involving a no-fly zone and numerous security personnel, marked the beginning of nine days of official Vatican mourning. Following this period, the College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor. The new pope will lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The global outpouring of grief underscored Pope Francis’ significant impact on the world stage and the deep affection he held for millions.
First Piper 