According to Vatican officials, around 200,000 people filled St Peter's Square for Pope Francis's funeral. Italian police estimate a lower number at 150,000, with about 50,000 inside the square itself.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re leads the service today. The 91-year-old Italian became a priest in 1957 for the Brescia Diocese. Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in 2001. He was elected dean of cardinals in 2020, with Pope Francis extending his term earlier this year. He helped choose both Benedict XVI and Francis during the past elections.
The morning schedule started at 7:30, when bishops gathered near St Peter's Basilica while priests went to the square. At 8:00, Orthodox church leaders met inside Saint Sebastian Chapel. The funeral began at 9:00, when workers placed the coffin in front of the basilica. After the service ends around 10:30, a slow procession will carry Pope Francis to Santa Maria Maggiore church for burial.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re leads the service today. The 91-year-old Italian became a priest in 1957 for the Brescia Diocese. Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in 2001. He was elected dean of cardinals in 2020, with Pope Francis extending his term earlier this year. He helped choose both Benedict XVI and Francis during the past elections.
The morning schedule started at 7:30, when bishops gathered near St Peter's Basilica while priests went to the square. At 8:00, Orthodox church leaders met inside Saint Sebastian Chapel. The funeral began at 9:00, when workers placed the coffin in front of the basilica. After the service ends around 10:30, a slow procession will carry Pope Francis to Santa Maria Maggiore church for burial.
