, , and
This rolling story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by . New users who get a seven-day free trial.
More than 140,000 people gathered on St Peter’s Square and in the surrounding streets for Pope Francis ’ funeral on Saturday, as the Vatican welcomed world leaders and tens of thousands of Catholics who descended on Rome to pay their respects.
Millions more across the globe were expected to follow the funeral, which began at 10am local time (4pm Hong Kong time).
Local police said St Peter’s Square was close to capacity of 40,000 people an hour before the ceremony, while an estimated 100,000 people were present in Via della Conciliazione, the avenue leading to the Vatican, and surrounding streets.
Among the 50 heads of state and dignitaries from 170 foreign delegations in attendance were US President Donald Trump , French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer . Prince William also attended on behalf of the British royal family.
Tributes have been pouring in over the past week for Francis, who became the first Latin American pope in 2013, as the world remembered his humble approach and outreach efforts to people of disparate backgrounds and faiths.