POPE FRANCIS'S DEPARTURE
The funeral ceremony for Pope Francis was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Vatican City, bringing together numerous heads of state and faithful from around the world. Estonian President Alar Karis, accompanied by his wife Sirje Karis, also attended the service, paying their respects to the late head of the Church.
According to the Vatican press office, over 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square to bid farewell to the beloved Pope. Among the mourners were ordinary citizens, clergy, and high-ranking state representatives.
The funeral ceremony began at St. Peter's Basilica at 11:00 AM Estonian time. The Mass, officiated by the College of Cardinals, was followed by the transfer of the Pope's coffin to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas historically associated with the pontiffs.
Estonian President Alar Karis and First Lady Sirje Karis watched the ceremony from a place of honor, positioned next to United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. This symbolic placement underscored the Pope's global influence and his relationships with leaders from various nations.
In total, 50 heads of state and government, along with 11 reigning monarchs from different continents, attended the funeral, demonstrating the authority of Pope Francis and the global reach of the Catholic Church he led. The ceremony was a worldwide expression of mourning and respect for the memory of the late Pope.
