Dignitaries, including Trump, arrive in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral

World leaders, royalty, and tens of thousands of mourners are converging on Rome for Pope Francis' funeral at St. Peter’s Square, reflecting his global influence and deep connection with ordinary people. U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are among the 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs joining over 130 delegations in Rome. The Vatican has extended public viewing hours as record crowds have filed past the late pontiff’s open coffin, moved by his advocacy for the disadvantaged and his humble persona. Heightened security measures are in place, with drones grounded, snipers deployed, and additional checkpoints established around the Vatican. Francis’ coffin will be sealed in a private ceremony before his burial at his favored Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The conclave to choose his successor will not begin until after nine days of mourning.