Massive funeral mass for Pope Francis’ starts at Vatican's St. Peter's Square

VATICAN-APR. 26: A solemn funeral mass for Pope Francis was held at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Saturday, April 26, attended by world leaders, clergy, and thousands of mourners.The late pontiff’s coffin, adorned with a large cross, was carried by pallbearers in white gloves from St. Peter’s Basilica into the sunlit square, where applause broke out among the gathered crowd. Bells tolled as dignitaries from over 150 countries took their seats.The 90-minute open-air ceremony was attended by 220 cardinals, 750 bishops, and more than 4,000 priests. Following the Mass, the coffin will be transported in a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) procession to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis will be laid to rest.Held on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica—one of Catholicism’s holiest sites—the funeral drew more than 50 world leaders and 11 reigning monarchs. Extensive security measures were implemented across Rome as large crowds gathered to pay their final respects. The Vatican set up additional screens outside the square to accommodate mourners unable to enter.The late pontiff’s coffin will travel a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) procession from Vatican City to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be interred.(Footage by Ömer Sercan Karkuş/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)