Sat Apr 26 02:05:47 UTC 2025: ## World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral
**Rome, Italy** – The funeral of Pope Francis will be held today, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. IST) in St. Peter’s Basilica. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday, April 21, following a stroke.
Heads of state from around the globe are gathering in Rome to pay their respects. India’s President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Rome on Friday, accompanied by a delegation including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State George Kurian. The funeral, taking place six days after his death, will be followed by a conclave to elect his successor within three weeks. The cardinals will meet to begin the process of selecting the next Pope.
First Piper 