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Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral

Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral

Scottish Sun26-04-2025
LAST FAREWELL Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral
THOUSANDS of mourners have lined the streets of Rome to watch the Pope's journey to his final resting place.
The procession is heading to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore after the service in St Peter's Square, which was witnessed by world leaders and huge crowds.
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The Pope Mobile carries Francis's coffin through the streets of Rome on his final journey
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Trump and Zelensky met in St Peter's Basilica ahead of the service
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Prince William walks ahead of the funeral Mass of Pope Francis,
Credit: Reuters
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The funeral service in St Peter's Square
Credit: Pacemaker
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Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure on Easter Monday
Credit: Rex
The Pope's coffin is being transported on the Popemobile - the nickname for the high-security vehicle the Pope used to meet wellwishers.
Those who attended the service include Prince William, President Trump, Ukraine's President Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelensky was greeted by a ripple of applause as he took his seat in the square, with the crowds expressing their support for Ukraine.
The leaders had the opportunity to pay their final respects to Francis as he lay in state in St Peter's Basilica, with a private moment each.
Whilst there were no major plans for formal meetings between leaders, they have been able to speak on the sidelines.
Trump and Zelensky met before the service and had a "very productive discussion", according to The White House.
They spoke as US efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia intensify.
It was their first meeting since the sensational Oval Office clash - and they reportedly vowed to hold further talks after the service.
Francis's coffin was officially sealed in a private ceremony after three days of public viewing, which saw around 250,000 faithfuls pay tribute to the late pontiff.
It was then carried into St Peter's square for the service, which began at 9am, which has involved services called Liturgy of the Word and Homily.
The homily part of the service was led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, 91-year-old Giovanni Battista Re.
Some 50,000 mourners are inside the square to witness the service, with a further 150,000 in the surrounding streets.
Italy has spent millions on a ring of steel security operation to protect the huge crowds and dignitaries.
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