AceShowbiz - On April 26th, St. Peter's Square in Vatican City became the focal point of a global farewell as tens of thousands of mourners assembled to honor the late Pope Francis. Presidents, monarchs, and dignitaries gathered to join the solemn ceremony led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

The funeral attracted over 250,000 people and 130 delegations, including notable figures such as Prince William, U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

While Prince William was solo, Donald Trump was accompanied by Melania Trump, who marked her 55th birthday on the same day. Melania, the first practicing Catholic First Lady since Jackie Kennedy, adhered to the Vatican's dress code by wearing an all-black ensemble complete with a lace veil.

The atmosphere remained respectful and hushed, filled with the sound of Latin verses and Gregorian chants. Applause broke out when pallbearers carried the Pope's coffin through the doors of St. Peter's Basilica one last time. Cardinal Re, in his homily, called Pope Francis a "Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone."

Pope Francis, known for his impassioned voice on issues like global conflict and migration, was honored not only by the attendees at the ceremony but also through heartfelt messages on social media.

President Trump's tribute encapsulated the shared global sentiment, as he posted on Truth Social, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 following a stroke. He was laid to rest at St. Mary Major Basilica after the solemn funeral mass.

As the service concluded, the global community was reminded of Pope Francis's enduring legacy - a message of peace and compassion that resonated far beyond the Vatican's borders.