World Leaders Gather to Honor Pope Francis at His Funeral in Rome with Diplomatic Efforts Underway

Cause And Effect

Diplomatic Efforts Amid Memorial Gatherings

'the main purpose of the stay in Rome of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is to pay tribute to Pope Francis'

Paula Pinho

European Commission spokeswoman

Key Facts

Diplomats are trying to arrange meetings between EU leaders and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the funeral.1
The European Commission has acknowledged efforts to organize a meeting, but emphasized the main purpose is to pay tribute.1
Diplomatic sources indicate efforts to exploit the presence of major leaders for an informal gathering.1

What will happen at the pope's funeral?

popefuneralVaticanPope FrancisCatholic Church

What will happen at the pope's funeral?

popefuneralVaticanPope FrancisCatholic Church

Pope Francis remembered at National Basilica in D.C.

Pope FrancisNational BasilicaD.C.memorialmass

Behind-the-scenes access to St. Peter's Basilica as thousands pay respects to Pope Francis

St. Peter's BasilicaPope FrancisVaticanNBC Newsbehind-the-scenes

Mourners stream into St. Peter's Basilica to bid Pope Francis farewell

Pope FrancisSt. Peter's BasilicafuneralmourningRome

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Background Context

Age of Pope Francis at death

Year Pope Francis became pope

2013

Key Facts

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, became pope in 2013 and was the first man from the southern hemisphere to head the Catholic church.
The body of Pope Francis lay in state in St Peter’s in Rome ahead of his funeral on April 26th.