Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 148

49ers safety Malik Mustapha likely out until midseason with surprising ACL tear

SANTA CLARA — It turns out the 49ers’ defense was decimated more than they let on, as it’s been revealed that safety Malik Mustapha is recovering from his second anterior cruciate ligament repair in three years.

Mustapha’s ACL tear was confirmed in an MRI exam days after he got hurt in the 49ers’ Jan. 6 season finale, although the team did not disclose it publicly then or throughout this offseason. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported it first after Saturday’s draft concluded, and a team spokesman confirmed Mustapha’s plight.

Mustapha’s hard-hitting style vaulted him into the starting lineup last season as a rookie, helping cover for the absence of fellow safety Talanoa Hufanga, who was coming off a 2023 ACL tear and also endured a wrist injury.

Mustapha, as ESPN reported, tore the graft from his 2022 ACL repair, from which he returned to play 10 games in 2023 for Wake Forest. This past January’s MRI revealed Mustapha required a second ACL surgery, and his meniscus and cartilage were unscathed.

With Ji’Ayir Brown set to return for his third season as a potential starter, the 49ers signed two veteran safeties last month in free agency — Jason Pinnock (New York Giants) and Richie Grant (Atlanta Falcons). They did not draft a safety until Saturday’s fifth round, when they took Kansas State’s Marques Sigle.

General manager John Lynch made no reference to Mustapha’s health before, during or after the draft, and instead he praised Sigle’s ability to run the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds: “That is a blazing time. He’s got a lot of versatility to his game. He’s a good tackler. He eats up. A term we use is ‘taking the grass’ and this is a guy who takes the grass. He takes the fight to the ball carrier to the receiver. I think he’s going to be a really good fit for us.”

Related Articles 49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft capsules NFL Draft locals: Three more Cal players picked — Woodson, Buchanan, Harris Kurtenbach: Grading the 49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft picks — two triumphs and a couple head scratchers Kurtenbach: Grading the 49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft picks — two triumphs and a couple head scratchers 49ers Day 3 draft: C.J. West ‘just abuses centers;’ receiver Watkins, rusher James, QB Rourke added To offset last month’s roster purge, the 49ers used their first five draft picks on defensive players: defensive end Mykel Williams, defensive tackle Alfred Collins, linebacker Nick Martin, cornerback Upton Stout and defensive tackle C.J. West.

 

Around San Francisco, Rockets coach has ‘pleasant’ talks with Warriors fans: ‘You’re not as brave in person’

SAN FRANCISCO – Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has a habit of walking around every city he visits, and that routine continued Saturday prior to Game 3 of his team’s opening round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.

Related Articles After on-court barbs, Jalen Green takes another verbal jab at Draymond Green Without Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II step up for Warriors in win over Rockets Kurtenbach: The Warriors might not have the firepower of the past, but never bet against championship DNA Steph Curry carries Butler-less Warriors past Rockets in crucial Game 3 win Around San Francisco, Rockets coach has ‘pleasant’ talks with Warriors fans: ‘You’re not as brave in person’ After leaving the team hotel Saturday, Udoka said he was recognized by some local sports fans.

How did that go, Udoka was asked.

“Very pleasant,” Udoka told reporters at Chase Center, drawing some laugher. “Honestly, wherever you go, you might have some hostility online and all this. But in person, nobody says anything. You’re not as brave in person.”

Hostilities have grown in the early stages of the Warriors-Rockets playoff series.

During Game 2, Rockets guard and East Bay native Amen Thompson unintentionally took out the legs of Jimmy Butler, causing the Warriors forward to leave the game after a hard fall. Butler, still on the mend, did not play in Saturday’s Game 3.

Some have debated whether Thompson’s play was dirty. But Thompson’s teammate, Dillon Brooks, shifted the focus back to the Warriors when asked about it Friday.

“No, I think the dirty player is Draymond (Green), giving him a little push as regular basketball players do,” Brooks said. “And Jimmy’s fighting in the air for a rebound and stuff happens. Amen’s not a dirty player. He has (nothing) to do with being a dirty player.”

Asked he thought Warriors fans might be hostile toward Thompson, a San Leandro native, Udoka said he’s expecting a raucous playoff atmosphere.

“Regardless of him being home or whatever, I think that’s what you get as an opponent, obviously in the playoffs, regardless,” Udoka said of the environment. “Unfortunate what happened, like I said, wasn’t intentional or anything. But with the bias and fans they are going to take that and run with it.”

Thompson had 11 points and three assists in the Warriors’ 109-94 win that leveled the series at one win apiece.

“(Thompson) reacted well. Like I said, we all know it’s unintentional. And he’ll just go about his business as usual. “But understanding what it’s going to be, I think he knows that, and nothing to be shocked by when it comes.”

In Game 2 on Wednesday, players from both teams received technical fouls in the second half and Houston’s Jalen Green received a flagrant foul when he flailed an arm into Green’s face.

49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft capsules

A look at the 49ers’ 2025 draft class:

First round, No. 11 overall: Mykel Williams, defensive end, Georgia, 6-5, 267

Credentials: Appeared in 40 games over three seasons and finished his career with 67 tackles, 21 1/2 tackles for losses, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. A second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection. Sustained a high ankle sprain in first week of the season,  but missed just two games and had a productive season in 2024. A two-year starter, listed as defensive end but played all over in the front seven and even as a standup linebacker.

How he fits: Have the 49ers finally found the bookend pass rusher for Nick Bosa they have been seeking ever since Dee Ford began to break down in the 2019 season? That spot belonged to Leonard Floyd, who was released after an 8 1/2 sack season in which he never seemed comfortable as a hand-in-the-ground pass rusher. They’ve cycled through Samson Ebukam, Arden Key, Charles Omenihu and Clelin Ferrell in recent years. Considering the 49ers pass rush last season, anything less than double-digit sacks will be a disappointment. The 49ers like his position versatility, but Williams sounds as if he expects a heavy dose on the edge in their Wide 9 scheme.

Williams says: “I’m excited to play in coach (Robert) Saleh’s scheme. He lets the front do what the front does, which is rush, set edges and stop the run. To play under coach Saleh and great players like Nick Bosa, I can’t wait. I have so many questions.”

Quotable: “He’s hard to block in the run game and the pass game. Hard to block for tackles, hard to block for guards. Half the guys that come out in college football, the majority seem  like they’re 24, 25. We’ve got a 20-year-old that looks like a man on tape.” — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan

Second round, No. 43 overall: Alfred Collins, defensive tackle, Texas, 6-5, 332

Credentials: Played in 64 games with 28 starts from 2020-24 after being a five-star recruit out of Bastrop, Texas. Had 142 career tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles. Long-armed and athletic enough to bat down seven passes as a senior. Adept as a run-stuffer on the nose in the middle. Had two of his best games in the College Football Playoff, recording 10 tackles.

How he fits: With the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, both released, getting an interior presence to clog the run is a must. He joins Jordan Elliott, Kevin Givens and Evan Anderson at a position where the 49ers were exceedingly thin. As much as the 49ers want a better pass rush, stopping the run is Job 1 after they collapsed in that area down the stretch. Collins and first-round pick Mykel Williams will, in theory, upgrade that area immediately.

Collins says: “They’re taking a chance on me. It’s not going to be a mistake. What I bring is a competitive mindset, I’m ready to learn from those who have done it before me. I’m ready to come in and do whatever I can to win games and I’m going to be a good teammate.”

Quotable: “We like the fact that in the pass game, he can win quickly, and we think he can develop some skills in the pass rush. He’s really adept at batting balls down. I think he affects the quarterback in a big way but can be a real presence in the run game,” — 49ers GM John Lynch

Third round, No. 75 overall: Nick Martin, linebacker, Oklahoma State, 6-0, 221

Credentials: Started 35 games over four seasons with Oklahoma State and was described in one evaluation as a “heat-seeking missile” for his aggressive style of play. Had a 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash. Missed seven games in 2024 with an MCL tear that did not require surgery. Had a breakout season in 2023 with 140 tackles, one of the highest totals in school history, including 16 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, two passes defensed and two interceptions in earning All-Big 12 honors.

How he fits: A virtual clone physically of the departed Dre Greenlaw, right down to the point to being overaggressive at times. Ideally, he moves past both Dee Winters and Jalen Graham as a step-in-and-start player alongside middle linebacker Fred Warner. If Martin doesn’t become an every down starter right away, his speed and athleticism can be utilized on special teams by new coordinator Brant Boyer.

Martin says:  “I grew up watching the draft. Since I was 5, I wanted to be in the NFL and be the best at it. Being here is surreal. I’m excited to get to work.”

Quotable: “I think Dre is one of the best run and hit linebackers that I’ve ever been around and probably the best in the league at it. And when we looked at the college tape, we felt this was the guy who was the best in college at that way.” — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan

Getty ImagesJordan Watkins of Ole Miss reaches for a pass during his Pro Day workout in preparation for the NFL Draft.

Third round, No. 100 overall: Upton Stout, cornerback, Western Kentucky, 5-8, 181

Credentials: Played in 45 games with 34 starts over five seasons at Western Kentucky (2022-24) and North Texas (2020-21). Despite size limitations, had 166 career tackles and operates best as a nickel corner. In 2024, started 12 games and has 7 1/2 tackles for losses and a sack in being named first-team All-USA Conference honors. Ultra enthusiastic competitor who wowed 49ers coaches with his personality during his visit as well as when receiving the news he had been drafted.

How he fits: If it works out, Stout can step in as the slot corner and give the 49ers the opportunity to leave Deommodore Lenoir as an outside corner along with Renardo Green as opposed to playing outside on some downs and inside on others.

Stout says: “In high school everybody was saying I was more of a safety or a running back, but I feel like that was just fuel to the fire and I really just figured out how to use my size to my advantage. Using my athleticism and just my keen ability to just get after it.”

Quotable: “We’re going to still play it out. I think (DB Deommodore Lenoir) is great inside, I think he’s great outside. We probably see Upton definitely as an inside player.” — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan

Round 4, No. 113 overall: C.J. West, defensive tackle, Indiana, 6-1, 316

Credentials: Veteran of 52 college games with four seasons at Kent State and his final year at Indiana, where he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Had 7 1/2 tackles for losses with the Hoosiers with a forced fumble two sacks and pass breakup. Transferred for senior year specifically to boost his draft stock for a shot at an NFL career. Played rugby, ran track and ran cross country while growing up.

How he fits:  A penetrating inside tackle, West provides a nice contrast to Alfred Collins, the 6-foot-5 tackle and second-round pick and is at his best lining up between the center and guard.  It gives the 49ers more than 645 pounds of muscle on the interior as relatively inexpensive and younger replacements for Hargrave and Maliek Collins, both of whom were released. Still on the roster are Elliott, Anderson and Givens.

West says: “My bread and butter is at the one technique. I just abuse centers, punch ‘em in the face, be as violent as possible, just create havoc down there in the middle.”

Quotable: “I had the chance to watch him live this year for Indiana against Ohio State and he played well, but more so his film and his body of work stood out,” GM John Lynch

Fourth round, No. 138 overall: Jordan Watkins, wide receiver, Mississippi, 5-11, 196

Credentials: Owner of a 4.37 time in the 40-yard dash time, Watkins averaged 18.5 yards per reception and scored nine touchdowns at Ole Miss on 49 receptions. Played three seasons for the Rebels after playing two years in his hometown at Louisville. Has experience, having played 58 college games with185 receptions for 2,582 yards and 18 touchdowns.

How he fits: With the departure of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk possibly not being ready to start the season after a torn ACL, it wasn’t a surprise when the 49ers’ first offensive selection was a wide receiver. He’ll join a position group that will be led by veteran Jauan Jennings and second-year player Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing. Also factors as a potential return specialist for punts and kickoffs.

Watkins says: “The way coach Shanahan does things, they like to get down and dirty with their receivers, whether we’re blocking defensive ends or cracking linebackers. There’s a lot of similarities with how we did it at Ole Miss.”

Quotable: “I thought he was one of the better route runners at the combine. He has natural receiver skills. He was our best graded-out guy going through the gauntlet. Watched his one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl and how he played at Ole Miss. Talked to Lane Kiffin, he’s the whole package. Really loved the guy.” — coach Kyle Shanahan

A.P. PhotoJordan James of Oregon is bottled up in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State.

Fifth round, No. 147 overall: Jordan James, running back, Oregon, 5-9, 205

Credentials: Rushed for 1,267 yards, averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns for the Ducks in 2024, building on a 223 season where he averaged a gaudy 7.1 yards per attempt and gained 739 yards in a shared-back system. Durable, his 233 carries was third in the Big Ten. Caught 42 passes for 347 yards and one touchdown in three seasons.

How he fits: James has experience with zone scheme runs and has a nose for the end zone — something the 49er were missing last season with Christian McCaffrey missing so much time. He’s powerful, finishes runs and will compete with Isaac Guerendo as a back who can spell McCaffrey. According to the X account of 49ers’ CEO Jed York, 49ers scout Frank Gore is a big fan of James.

James says: “I think they have a great outside zone run scheme that I’m pretty good at. I like to watch running backs that run similar to me. Frank Gore is definitely one of those guys, a guy that’s hard to tackle. We’re not 4.3 speed guys but we get the job done.”

Quotable: “We’re fired up on Jordan. This was a really strong running back class. Powerful back, runs through tackles. Doesn’t have necessarily top-end speed, but he’s got dart and burst.” — GM John Lynch

Fifth round, No. 160 overall: Marquis Sigle, safety, Kansas State, 5-11, 199

Credentials: With a 4.37 time in the 40-yard dash, Sigle has the top-end speed to patrol the back end of the defense. Played three years at North Dakota State, where was a teammate of former 49ers’ No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance. Stepped up in competition in the Big 12 and was one of the Wildcats’ top tacklers for two years. Intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown as a senior.

How he fits:  Given the news that Malik Mustapha will be out for a considerable amount of time with after ACL surgery, Sigle could be in the mix sooner than anticipated. With Talanoa Hufanga leaving for Denver in free agency, that leaves Ji’Ayir Brown as the lone incumbent with considerable time at the position. If he’s not starting, Sigle should be a special teams factor immediately.

Sigle says: “I can play multiple positions. I can play free safety, strong safety, nickel and dime.”

Quotable: “He’s awesome. He’s a bow-legged safety, and like I told him, you can’t go wrong with a bow-legged safety. He’s played nickel, he’s a guy who can really run.” — GM John Lynch

Seventh round, No. 227 overall: Kurtis Rourke, quarterback, Indiana, 6-4, 220

Credentials: Has played 48 games with five seasons at Ohio University and a final year in 2024 as a transfer at Indiana. Completed 69.4 percent of his passes (222-for-320) for 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns and five interceptions. Was the Mid-American Offensive Player of the year in 2022, completing 69.1 percent of his passes for 3,257 yards, 25 touchdowns and four interceptions. Brother Nathan is a quarterback in the CFL.

How he fits: Brock Purdy, once upon a time a seventh-round draft pick himself, is entrenched as the starter once he gets his contract situated. The 49ers also brought in Mac Jones on a two-year deal that guarantees him $5 million, so he’s not going anywhere. Tanner Mordecai spent last season on the practice squad, and Rourke will likely learn the system and hope for that spot this season if healthy. If not, he could learn for a year on injured reserve. Coming off knee surgery in January — he played the entire season in a brace with his second torn ACL — it’s unclear when Rourke will be ready to play.

Rourke says: “Being able to come in a system where they took Brock, they developed him into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, so I’m excited to be a part of that and follow that path as well.”

Quotable: “I love his size, love how he throws, love how he plays the position. He did the whole year with a broken finger, torn ACL and still looked really impressive. He probably won’t be ready for training camp, but it’s not an issue for us because we’ve got Brock and Mack and Tanner.” — coach Kyle Shanahan

Related Articles 49ers safety Malik Mustapha likely out until midseason with surprising ACL tear NFL Draft locals: Three more Cal players picked — Woodson, Buchanan, Harris Kurtenbach: Grading the 49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft picks — two triumphs and a couple head scratchers Kurtenbach: Grading the 49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft picks — two triumphs and a couple head scratchers 49ers Day 3 draft: C.J. West ‘just abuses centers;’ receiver Watkins, rusher James, QB Rourke added

Seventh round, No. 249 overall: Conner Colby, guard/center, Iowa, 6-6, 309

Credentials: First team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, started all 13 games at right guard for the Hawkeyes. Considered a solid run blocker who can move in a zone scheme while having issues with pass protection on an Iowa team that struggled in that area.

How he fits: With Aaron Banks having departed in free agency to Green Bay, Dominic Puni is entrenched at right guard while Nick Zakelj is in reserve and Matt Hennessey available to swing between center and guard as a backup assuming he doesn’t beat out center Jake Brendel.

Quotable: “We think he’s a really good scheme fit. Iowa does some of the same things we do in the run game and they do it every well.” GM John Lynch

Seventh round, No. 252 overall: Junior Bergen, Montana, return specialist, 5-10, 184

Credentials: An Associated Press FCS All-American, and won his team’s Most Valuable Player award. In four seasons as a receiver caught 145 passes for 1,777 and 13 touchdowns. As a punt returner, Bergen had a career average of 16.7 yards and eiht career touchdowns on punt returns. He was return specialist of the year in the FCS.

How he fits: Bergen was a wide receiver in college and he’ll practice with that group with the 49ers, but his chance to make the roster is as a return specialist. Despite a middle-of-the-road 4.52 40-yard dash time, Bergen showed such a knack as a return specialist the 49ers took him with a draft pick rather than gambling he would be available as an undrafted free agent.

Quotable: “To have a dynamic returner is a good thing. He’s done it really well at the smaller college level and he’s going to get an opportunity to do it with us,” GM John Lynch.

 

 

 

 

Horoscopes April 26, 2025: Channing Tatum, it’s up to you to build the future

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jemima Kirke, 40; Channing Tatum, 45; Tom Welling, 48; Kevin James, 60.

Happy Birthday: You can’t push back time, but you can manage how you utilize your space, time and skills. Taking charge of what you do have control over will give you a sense of pride that can help you enjoy your life more while gaining the confidence to wield your power in every aspect of life. It’s up to you to build the future that puts a smile on your face. Your numbers are 6, 11, 15, 22, 31, 39, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Socialize and engage in activities that challenge and motivate you or encourage you to get back to basics, nature and the things you enjoy most. Resurrecting your dreams, hopes and wishes will enable you to revamp your schedule to include taking responsibility for your happiness. Change begins with you. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Clear up unfinished business and rework your space to suit your needs. Declutter, donate or sell what you don’t use, and you’ll enjoy the convenience and comfort necessary to make your life easier. Update your style and flirt with the notion of turning a desire into a reality. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Connect and brainstorm with like-minded people, and you will bring about positive change in your community. Travel, research and communication will make a difference in the outcome. A positive attitude with a bit of bravado will encourage success. Shoot for the stars, but give yourself wiggle room to adjust what’s possible. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look within for solutions, and concentrate on making a positive personal shift to accommodate your goals. Refuse to let negativity set in or take you in the wrong direction. Less grumbling and more laughter will encourage positive input from those you encounter. Make romance, peace and love a priority. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Push boundaries, initiate change and learn all you can to support your efforts. Discuss your intentions with someone you want to include in your journey. Refusing to let negativity or criticism ruin your enthusiasm by taking notes and adopting suggestions will help you reach your aspirations. A passionate attitude is the key to gaining momentum. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Adopt a unique perspective and see where it leads. Dedication, thoroughness and finishing what you start will position you favorably with those you care about most. A commitment may require you to do more than you anticipate or can muster. If uncertainty sets in, distance yourself until you gain clarity. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Expand your interests, knowledge and perspective, and you’ll gain insight into why and how others think and feel. Playing fair will encourage others to give you more leeway to do as you see fit. Put your energy into your relationships, and everything else will fall into place. Talks will lead to positive change. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Avoid pressure tactics. You’ll have much better luck if you are straightforward, pleasant and accommodating. Take precautions while traveling and steer clear of anyone trying to get a rise out of you. Road rage and toxic situations will escalate if you react aggressively. Make love, not war. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Think before you act. Look for peaceful solutions and worthwhile ways to expel excess energy. Opportunity is apparent, but if you are stubborn or cynical, you will not see the possibilities. Pay attention to investments, spending and bringing in additional cash. Diversification will pay off. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your perception is off, so don’t jump to conclusions. Take your time, follow the dots and save yourself regret or disappointment. What you do and how you react will determine the outcome. Verify facts, and you’ll gain insight into how best to proceed. If you change your environment, it will help broaden your perspective. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Track your spending and look for investments that will help you save for something that makes your life more meaningful. Follow your heart, not the crowd, and happiness will prevail. A social or networking event will encourage you to connect with someone who can and will contribute to your objective. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Set standards, a tight budget and boundaries regarding home improvements and joint ventures. Have a plan to guide you and deter anyone from soliciting you to sign up for their dream instead of your own. Downsize, declutter or alter anything that suggests excess or indulgence. Aim for personal security and stability. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are productive, eager and demonstrative. You are engaging and perceptive.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

What to know about the funeral and burial of Pope Francis

By LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death set off mourning across the Catholic world and days of ritual at the Vatican. Here are the key things to know about the funeral of the first Latin American pontiff in the church’s history:

When and where is his funeral being held?

His funeral is being held on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. Francis will then be buried, according to his will: in a simple underground tomb at St. Mary Major Basilica. The church is home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.

The sealing of the coffin

The night before the funeral, the camerlengo presided over the closing and sealing of the coffin, in the presence of other senior cardinals. A white cloth was placed over Francis’ face.

A bag containing coins minted during his papacy was placed in the coffin along with a one-page written account of his papacy — known in Italian as a “rogito,” a word indicating an official deed. It was read aloud by the master of liturgical ceremonies and then rolled up and slipped inside a cylindrical tube that was placed inside the coffin. Another copy is kept in the Vatican archives. The covers of both the zinc coffin and the wooden one bear a cross and Francis’ papal coat of arms.

Why not at the Vatican?

Francis had said he wanted to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica or its grottoes, where most popes are buried, but in the St. Mary Major Basilica across town. His choice reflects his veneration of an icon of the Virgin Mary that is located there, the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome).

The bell tower of St. Mary Major Basilica, where the burial ceremony of Pope Francis will take place, in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.

Which dignitaries are expected to attend?

Heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, are among those expected for the funeral. Others dignitaries include: Prince William, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and European Council President António Costa.

The sun rises through a statue as people begin to take their seats in St. Peter’s Square, ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)A nun smiles as she waits ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful, one holding a placard with the Ukrainian flag and reading Francis, pray for us, arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Nuns and other pilgrims look for their seats in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Police officers speak in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A faithful wearing a flag from Argentina arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Nuns and pilgrims make their way to St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)A man yawns as people arrive in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A nun waits in St. Peter’s Square as people arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful and Swiss Guards are backdropped by St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A faithful waves a flag with Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old Italian boy who died in 2006 of leukemia and beatified in 2020, at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful rest on the ground outside St Peter’s Basilica waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Faithful stand on a lamppost as they wait for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful wait for the start of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Nadine, from Germany, is waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful sit in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A Vatican Swiss Guard in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Show Caption1 of 21The sun rises through a statue as people begin to take their seats in St. Peter’s Square, ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)ExpandHow long did the pope serve?

Pope Francis had a 12-year papacy during which he charmed the world with his humility and concern for the poor. But the Argentina-born pope also alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

So, how do they choose a new pope?

The death of a pope starts a centuries-old ritual to elect a new one, involving sacred oaths by the cardinals, the piercing of ballots with a needle and thread after they’re counted, and then burning them to produce either the white or black smoke to signal if there’s a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

With the burial, the Catholic Church begins nine days of official mourning, known as the “novemdiales”. The date of the conclave to elect a new pope has not yet been announced.

People queue trying to reach St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

In the conclave, the cardinals will vote in secret sessions, and the ballots will be burned in a special stove after each session. Black smoke indicates no pope has been elected; white smoke says the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.

Any baptized Catholic male is eligible, though only cardinals have been selected since 1378. The winner must receive at least two-thirds of the vote from those cardinals under age 80 who are eligible to participate.

Francis appointed the vast majority of electors, often tapping men who share his pastoral priorities, which suggests continuity rather than rupture.

While it’s impossible to predict who the next pope will be, some cardinals are considered to have better chances than others.

Is it like the movie?

Yes and no. “Conclave” the 2024 film, introduced many laypeople to the ancient selection process with its arcane rules and grand ceremony, albeit with a silver screen twist packed full of palace intrigue and surprise.

Vatican experts say the movie excels at re-creating the look and feel of a conclave. But there are discrepancies, errors and some outlandish storylines in the Hollywood version. And while the voting process was depicted accurately, the ballots are burned not after each vote, but after each session.

The legacy of Francis

Francis was known for his personal simplicity, from the choice of his name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced wealth to help the poor, to the outward symbols and priorities of his papacy.

Related Articles Photos: From mightiest to humblest, hundreds of thousands gather for Pope Francis’ funeral Trump pays his respects to a pope who publicly and pointedly disagreed with him, meets Zelenskyy Pope Francis funeral: Watch live from Vatican City Mighty and meek bid farewell to Pope Francis at funeral where he is remembered as pope of the people Trump calls for Ukraine and Russia to meet for ‘very high level’ talks, says they are close to deal

He chose to live in the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta hotel instead of the Apostolic Palace and wore his old orthotic shoes and not the red loafers of the papacy.

In his teachings, he focused on concern for refugees and other marginalized people. His first trip outside Rome as pope in 2013 was to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa to meet with newly arrived migrants. His plea for welcome put him at odds with U.S. and European policies.

He also also signaled a more welcoming stance toward LGBTQ+ people, while also making the fight against climate change a priority. Francis became the first pope to use scientific data in a major teaching document and made care for God’s creation a hallmark of his papacy.

He eschewed the grandiose even in his departure, lying in state in a simple coffin made of wood.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Photos: From mightiest to humblest, hundreds of thousands gather for Pope Francis’ funeral

VATICAN CITY (AP) — From some of the world’s most powerful leaders to those on society’s margins whom Pope Francis always made a point to minister to, hundreds of thousands of people were expected at the Vatican Saturday for the funeral rites for the late pontiff.

Related Articles What to know about the funeral and burial of Pope Francis Trump pays his respects to a pope who publicly and pointedly disagreed with him, meets Zelenskyy Pope Francis funeral: Watch live from Vatican City Mighty and meek bid farewell to Pope Francis at funeral where he is remembered as pope of the people Trump calls for Ukraine and Russia to meet for ‘very high level’ talks, says they are close to deal

U.S. President Donald Trump and some 60 other heads of state and reigning sovereigns announced their plans to travel to Rome from around the globe. The Vatican said that “a group of the poor and the needy” would be on the steps of St. Mary Major Basilica to pay homage to the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope before his burial in the church.

The Holy See press office added that the poor had a special place in Francis’ heart. He had chosen for his papacy the name of the medieval Italian saint who famously renounced his family’s wealth when he joined the church.

Already, long lines of the faithful have paid their homage to Francis, who died Monday at age 88, over the three days that his body was lying in state in a simple wooden coffin inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

From the beginning of his papacy in 2013, Francis won over many around the world, Catholic or not, with his advocacy for migrants and the environment. His legacy was more mixed on the topics of clergy sexual abuse and LGBTQ+ outreach, which made waves for increasing inclusion but some criticized for not going far enough.

People wait for the funeral procession of Pope Francis in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)Faithful gather to follow the burial ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)Faithful gather to follow the burial ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis leaves St. Peter’s Square on its way to St.Mary Major where he will be buried, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Faithful holding white roses wait for the burial ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis makes its way to St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis makes its way to St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis arrives at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis is transported in front of the Colosseum on its way to St. Mary Major where he will be buried, Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)People gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful rest on the ground as they wait for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Journalists stand on the colonnade outside St Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Clergy take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter’s Square during his funeral ceremony, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re prays in front of the coffin during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)The coffin of Pope Francis is laid into St. Peter’s Square during his funeral ceremony, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Clergy during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)A person prays during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)The coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)A view of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)People wait for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Nuns and faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful pray during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful pray during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Nuns attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Nuns pray during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Nuns watch the funeral of Pope Francis from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful react during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A faithful reacts during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A nun holds a phot of Pope Francis while attending his funeral in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)The book of the Gospels lies on the coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral ceremony in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A view of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, kneeling right, presides over the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Faithful gather during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)The coffin of Pope Francis is placed on the ground in St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)President Donald Trump, center right, with first lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, front row left center, and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, center left, and other dignitaries, attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Nuns and faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)President Donald Trump, front row right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelenskyy, front row left, are seen amongst other dignitaries during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Clergy attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)A nun smiles as she waits ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)People wait for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Cardinals take their seats for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)A nun holds a rosary as she waits for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A nun looks above the crowds as people gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful, one holding a placard with the Ukrainian flag and reading Francis, pray for us, arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Nuns and other pilgrims look for their seats in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Police officers speak in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A faithful wearing a flag from Argentina arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Nuns and pilgrims make their way to St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful and Swiss Guards are backdropped by St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)A man yawns as people arrive in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A nun waits in St. Peter’s Square as people arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A faithful waves a flag with Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old Italian boy who died in 2006 of leukemia and beatified in 2020, at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful rest on the ground outside St Peter’s Basilica waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Faithful stand on a lamppost as they wait for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful wait for the start of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Nadine, from Germany, is waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful sit in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Clergy arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A Vatican Swiss Guard in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Trump pays his respects to a pope who publicly and pointedly disagreed with him, meets Zelenskyy

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

ROME (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday paid his respects to Pope Francis, joining more than 50 heads of state and other dignitaries at the funeral of a pontiff who pointedly disagreed with him on a variety of issues. Trump also had a brief meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Both the White House and Zelenskyy’s office confirmed the meeting, the first face-to-face conversation between Trump and the Ukrainian leader since the two, along with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, argued during a heated Oval Office meeting in late February.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and President Donald Trump, talk as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

White House communications director Steven Cheung said the leaders “met privately today and had a very productive discussion” and that more details would follow.

Trump arrived at the Vatican with his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and was seated in the front row, not far from French President Emmanuel Macron, for the outdoor service.

Related Articles Justice Department to resume issuing subpoenas to journalists as part of leaks crackdown, Bondi says Judge blocks Trump administration from nixing collective bargaining for most federal employees 19 states sue Trump administration over push to end diversity programs in public schools Trump keeps contradicting himself on tariffs, making a fragile world economy nervous Environmental groups fear Trump’s order to speed deep-sea mining will harm ecosystems

Trump told reporters on Friday as he flew to Rome that he was going to the funeral “out of respect” for the pontiff, who died Monday after suffering a stroke at the age of 88.

Francis sharply disagreed with Trump’s approach on issues including immigration, the treatment of migrants and climate change. The Argentine pontiff and the American president sparred early in their relationship over immigration. In 2016, Francis, alluding to then-candidate Trump and his campaign slogan of “Build the wall,” called anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants “ not Christian.” Trump said the comment was “disgraceful.”

But after Francis’ death, the Republican president praised him as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world.” Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.

Trump had said on a couple of occasions before leaving Washington that he would have “a lot” of meetings with counterparts on the sidelines of the funeral. But he seemed to back away from that as he flew to Rome.

“Frankly, it’s a little disrespectful to have meetings when you’re at the funeral of a pope,” the president told reporters accompanying him aboard Air Force One. Nonetheless, Trump said: “I’ll be talking to people. I’ll be seeing a lot of people.”

One person Trump didn’t expect to interact with is former President Joe Biden, a practicing Roman Catholic who attended with his wife, Jill. Biden, wearing his signature aviator sunglasses was seated several rows behind Trump, who had said he didn’t know his Democratic predecessor would be at the funeral. Asked if they’d meet, Trump said: “It’s not high on my list. It’s really not.”

Trump, meanwhile, drew the public’s attention for wearing a dark blue suit and a lighter blue tie in a sea of mournful black attire.

The pope’s funeral is not one of those occasions that bring together the current and former U.S. presidents. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were not attending, their offices said. A spokesperson for former President Bill Clinton did not respond to an inquiry about his plans.

President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, as Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, looks on, as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump didn’t elaborate when asked if he’d just be meeting with leaders in passing or holding more in-depth talks. He noted that his stay in Rome would be short.

“It’s a little tough because we don’t have much time,” he said. Trump arrived late Friday and was scheduled to head back to the United States immediately after the funeral.

“I think that we’re going to try and see a couple of people that are important in what we’re doing,” said Trump, who is working to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and negotiate trade agreements with multiple countries.

After Trump was shown to his seat for the funeral, he was immediately followed out of St. Peter’s Basilica by Zelenskyy, who was met with a burst of applause from the audience.

Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after arriving in Rome that Ukraine and Russia should meet for “very high level talks” on ending the bloody three-year war sparked by Russia’s invasion. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, had met earlier Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Trump said both sides were “very close to a deal.” Putin did not attend the funeral.

Trump’s meeting Saturday with Zelenskyy also came shortly after Trump issued his most definitive statement yet about the need for Ukraine to give up territory to Russia to bring the war to a close. He said in a Time magazine interview published Friday that “Crimea will stay with Russia.”

Russia seized the strategic peninsula along the Black Sea in southern Ukraine in 2014, years before the full-scale invasion that began in 2022. Zelenskyy wants to regain Crimea and other Ukrainian territory seized by Russia, but that demand has become a sticking point for Trump.

Referring to Crimea during the interview, which was conducted at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.”

Pope Francis funeral: Watch coverage from Vatican City

VATICAN CITY (AP) — As many as 200,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square as he is being laid to rest Saturday.

While dignitaries are to attend, prisoners and migrants will usher him into the basilica where he will be buried, reflecting his priorities as pope.

U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the U.N. chief and European Union leaders are joining Prince William and the Spanish royal family will be in attendance.

Francis is breaking with recent tradition and will be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, where a simple underground tomb awaits him with just his name: Franciscus.

Here is the latest:

The motorcade with the coffin is making its way across Rome

Crowds applauded and yelled “Papa Francesco!” as a slow-moving motorcade escorting the pope’s coffin to his final resting place left the Vatican to make its way across Rome.

The coffin was visible from atop a modified popemobile. There was more clapping and church bells rang out as the popemobile emerged from a tunnel and crossed the Tiber River.

The popemobile was flanked by police on motorcycles.

Pope Francis’ coffin leaves the Vatican en route to his burial place in St. Mary Major Basilica

The coffin is being carried on the back of a popemobile modified so mourners lining streets can view it. The 6-kilometer (3.5-mile) route crosses the Tiber River and passes Italy’s monumental Tomb of the Unknown soldier, the ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum before reaching the basilica.

The coffin will be met by about 40 migrants, prisoners, and homeless and transgender people, reflecting the pontiff’s care for people who are marginalized.

Funeral Mass ends

Pope Francis’ funeral Mass has ended, and cardinals have filed back into St. Peter’s Basilica.

The crowd applauded as white-gloved pallbearers lifted the pope’s coffin to bring it back inside the basilica. From there, it will be moved to the popemobile to make its way across Rome to Francis’ burial place in St. Mary Major.

Meditative chant is sung at funeral Mass

A litany of saints was sung out during the funeral Mass for Pope Francis, a meditative chant that is part of the traditional rites.

It was followed by a blessing from Eastern rite Catholic churches chanted in Greek by patriarchs and priests. The pages of the New Testament placed atop the coffin fluttered in the wind as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re blessed the coffin with incense and holy water.

UK’s Prince William pays his respects

The prince attended the funeral on behalf of his father, King Charles III.

He stood side by side with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for a moment’s silence in front of Pope Francis’s sealed coffin.

William, dressed in a dark blue suit and black tie, walked through the ornate basilica and down the steps into St. Peter’s Square, before shaking hands with a member of the clergy and being guided to his seat.

He is carrying out his most significant duty so far as heir to the throne. It is the first time the prince has represented the monarch at an international funeral.

Francis is remembered as a ‘pope among the people’ in his funeral Mass

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re eulogized Pope Francis on Saturday as a pope of the people, a paster who knew how to communicate to the “least among us” with an informal, spontaneous style.

Re called Francis “a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone.”

He recalled the last image many people have of Francis was of him delivering what would become his final blessing on Easter Sunday, and saluting from the popemobile in the same piazza where his funeral was being celebrated.

Vatican says about 200,000 people have flocked to Pope Francis’ funeral Mass

The brief statement did not specify if that was in St. Peter’s Square alone.

Mourners were lined up along Via della Conciliazione, which leads up to the Vatican, and followed the Mass on big screens in public squares in Rome, including outside the Santa Maria Major Basilica.

Trump and Zelenskyy meet before the service

That’s according to Zelenskyy’s press office.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and President Donald Trump, talk as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed the meeting and said they “met privately today and had a very productive discussion.”

“More details about the meeting will follow,” he said.

Shortly after arriving in Rome last Friday, Trump said on social media that Ukraine and Russia should meet for “very high-level talks” on ending the three-year war sparked by Russia’s invasion. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Friday, and Trump said both sides were “very close to a deal.”

Pope Francis’ funeral Mass begins in a packed St. Peter’s Square

Tens of thousands flocked to the funeral, which Francis choreographed himself when he revised and simplified the Vatican’s rites and rituals last year.

Pallbearers carry Pope Francis’ simple wooden coffin

They carried the coffin, adorned with just a crucifix and Francis’ coat of arms, down the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica and out into the square at the start of his funeral.

Red-robbed cardinals lined the path and followed behind as the crowd in the square erupted in applause in a sign of respect.

Cardinals flank pope’s coffin

Cardinals in rich red robes formed a double line in St. Peter’s Basilica, flanking the coffin as it was carried into the square for the funeral Mass. Pallbearers lifted the coffin to applause from the square.

The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Trump takes his seat for the funeral

Trump and his wife, Melania, were escorted out of St. Peter’s Basilica to their seats for the service.

He was followed afterward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was greeted with a burst of applause from the audience.

Giant photographs of Carlo Acutis seen in St. Peter’s Square

Acutis was supposed to have been canonized on Sunday as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.

The Vatican suspended the ceremony after Pope Francis died, but many people who had made plans to be in Rome for the canonization came anyway to attend the funeral. Announcers asked all flags and banners be lowered as the funeral was getting underway.

Bells toll to signal the start of the procession

Francis’ coffin will be brought from St. Peter’s Basilica to the front of the altar in the square.

Mourners were instructed to refrain from waving flags or banners during the procession.

Mourners led in rosary prayer as dignitaries take their seats at Pope Francis’ funeral

World leaders and royalty were sitting to the right of the main altar.

EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei have all made their way to their seating.

The Argentine and Italian leaders have place of pride in the seating order.

Trump arrives at funeral to pay respects to Pope Francis

The U.S. president clashed with the pope on immigration, climate and other issues.

Mourners remember Pope Francis

They spoke of the pontiff in emotional terms while lining up along Via della Conciliazione for Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square.

Miguel Vaca, a pilgrim from Peru, lined up at 7 a.m.

“He was a very charismatic pope, very human, very kind, above all very human,’’ Vaca said. “It’s a very great emotion to say goodbye to him.

Faithful rest on the ground outside St Peter’s Basilica waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Italian pilgrim Pasquale Vezza made his way to the square with his family. He said the pope “was a bit like everyone’s grandfather.”

“He will be greatly missed as a person, as a pope. … Now we hope that there will be a continuation, especially of his message of peace,” Vezza said.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrives in Rome for papal funeral

Zelenskyy arrived in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelenskyy, center, arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

His press office confirmed his arrival, joining the first lady Olena Zelenska, who preceded him.

Zelenskyy’s presence was put in doubt after a recent missile attack.

Pope’s coffin will be placed on the back of a popemobile used on a Philippines trip

The pope will get one more ride past the faithful on one of his beloved popemobiles.

The Vatican says for Saturday’s burial procession, his coffin will be placed on the back of a popemobile used during his 2015 trip to the Philippines.

FILE – Pope Francis waves to onlookers from his popemobile as his motorcade passes by on the way to another “Meeting With Families” at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, Jan. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)

The vehicle has been modified so the coffin will be visible to mourners along the nearly 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) route from St. Peter’s Basilica to his place of burial.

The pope reveled in being driven through crowds of faithful whether in St. Peter’s Square or on one of his many foreign trips. His last was on Easter Sunday, when he looped around St. Peter’s Square to the delight of the faithful who had followed his 5-week hospitalization for pneumonia and his recovery at the Vatican.

A Calabria parish group camped out all night to get a good spot

The 13 spent the night in a nearby square. They were already coming to Rome for the planned canonization of the first millennial saint on Sunday, which was suspended by Francis’ death. Instead, they drove up a day early for his funeral.

Related Articles What to know about the funeral and burial of Pope Francis Photos: From mightiest to humblest, hundreds of thousands gather for Pope Francis’ funeral Trump pays his respects to a pope who publicly and pointedly disagreed with him, meets Zelenskyy Mighty and meek bid farewell to Pope Francis at funeral where he is remembered as pope of the people Trump calls for Ukraine and Russia to meet for ‘very high level’ talks, says they are close to deal

“The Lord wanted it this way, so we came all the same,’’ said Sandra De Felice of Anoia in the Calabria region. “For me, this is a sign that we need to be truly humble and charitable. Otherwise, we are nothing.”

Mourners race to find a spot in St Peter’s Square

Ordinary mourners streamed Saturday to get a spot in standing room near the rear of the square surrounding the ancient obelisk, behind VIP seating. The area to the left of the main altar, up the basilica steps, is reserved for celebrants and Catholic hierarchy, while world leaders and royalty will be seated on the right.

Many ran toward the square as barricades opened. Some carried banners for the Jubilee Holy Year that Francis opened in December and will continue despite his death Monday following a stroke.

Verlander remains winless as Eovaldi stifles SF Giants’ offense

SAN FRANCISCO — Justin Verlander pitched well. Nathan Eovaldi pitched better.

Verlander allowed two runs over six innings with six strikeouts but Eovaldi countered with six shutout innings and seven strikeouts as the Giants (17-10) lost to the Texas Rangers, 2-0, in front of a sellout crowd Friday night at Oracle Park.

“Got out pitched tonight,” Verlander said.

Verlander ended up with his second loss in a Giants uniform but recorded back-to-back quality starts in the process. Over his last two outings, the 42-year-old has allowed three earned runs over 12 innings (2.25 ERA) with 11 strikeouts to three walks.

Still, Verlander remains searching for his first win with the orange and black. This marks the seventh time in his career that Verlander has gone at least six starts without a win, the longest winless stretch of his career being seven starts.

“This game can beat you down in a hurry, so you want to try to focus on positives,” Verlander said. “It’s harder to do that when the team doesn’t win. It’s nice when you go out and you have a good start and the team scores five runs and you guys win 5-2 and everything feels great. That’s not the way it always happens. I think that’s why I keep talking about being objective with your opinions of how you’re doing, and the last couple have definitely been much better.”

Prior to Friday, Eovaldi didn’t have an extensive track record of success against the Giants. Quite the opposite.

In his first eight starts against San Francisco, Eovaldi posted a 9.45 ERA over 40 innings, by far the worst mark of any team he’s faced. His second-highest ERA against any individual team, for comparison, is 5.78 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

“Eovaldi had all the good pitches today, so it wasn’t easy for the offense, for sure,” said outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts.

The Giants had one final opportunity in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the ballgame, but the calculus of the inning changed due to a questionable call.

With the count at 2-2, the Rangers’ Robert Garcia threw a high-and-inside fastball that sent Lee to the ground. The ball appeared to hit Lee’s bat. The umpires determined the ball hit Lee’s hand, and Lee was saddled with a strikeout.

Manager Bob Melvin had an extensive conversation with several umpires, saying that he “tried to make an argument for everything” but the call stood. Lee said postgame that the ball hit the bat, adding that he would’ve been on the ground in pain if the ball actually hit his hand.

“I was getting out of the way and I made that swing. But I just don’t understand why that call was made. Because even though the call was made, if there was a replay that could’ve happened, I think it would’ve been nice. What the umpires kept on saying is that I went for the swing and then it hit my hand — that’s why we can’t play the review because the call is already made as a strikeout. We can’t make the call for a foul. So, I don’t know where the basic standard would be for an umpire right now.”

This is the second time in as many weeks that Lee has had an odd interaction with the umpiring crew in the ninth inning of a ballgame. Home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi took exception in Philadelphia when he thought Lee was tapping his helmet to argue balls and strikes — the tap of a helmet being how hitters challenged a call with the automated ball-strike system during spring training. In reality, Lee was just adjusting his helmet.

“I thought he was trying to get out of the way of it,” Melvin said. “You can call what you call wherever the bat goes, but it looked like he was more trying to get out of the way of it.”

Related Articles With Bochy’s Rangers in town, SF Giants set to honor Crawford’s career SF Giants win series as Adames drives in go-ahead run versus old team SF Giants’ Webb continues excellent April by outdueling Peralta in win over Brewers For SF Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee, comfort is key to hot start Buster Posey’s influence is evident in SF Giants’ roster continuity

Worth noting

Ryan Walker retired all three batters that he faced in the top of the ninth, a much-needed clean inning after the Giants’ closer allowed six earned runs and recorded one out in his last two outings. “That was big for him. He pitched really well,” Melvin said.

Mighty and meek bid farewell to Pope Francis at funeral where he is remembered as pope of the people

By NICOLE WINFIELD and COLLEEN BARRY, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — World leaders and Catholic faithful bade farewell to Pope Francis in a funeral Saturday that highlighted his concern for people on the “most peripheral of the peripheries” and reflected his wishes as pastor. Though presidents and princes attended the Mass in St. Peter’s Square, prisoners and migrants will welcome him at the basilica across town where he will be buried.

Some 250,000 people flocked to the funeral Mass and tens of thousands more lined the motorcade route, clapping and cheering “Papa Francesco” as his simple wooden coffin travelled aboard one of his old popemobiles to its final resting place at St. Mary Major Basilica on the other side of the city.

It was then carried into the church, escorted by Swiss Guards.

Earlier, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, eulogized Francis as a pope of the people, a pastor who knew how to communicate to the “least among us” with an informal, spontaneous style.

“He was a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone,” Re said in a spirited and highly personal sermon. He drew applause from the crowd when he recounted Francis’ constant concern for migrants, including when he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and travelled to a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece, and brought 12 migrants home with him.

“The guiding thread of his mission was also the conviction that the church is a home for all, a home with its doors always open,” Re said.

Re said with his travels, including his last major trip to Asia last year, Francis reached “the most peripheral of the peripheries of the world.”

The Argentine pontiff choreographed the funeral himself when he revised and simplified the Vatican’s rites and rituals last year. His aim was to emphasize the pope’s role as a mere pastor and not “a powerful man of this world.”

It was a reflection of Francis’ 12-year project to radically reform the papacy, to stress priests as servants and to construct “a poor church for the poor.” He articulated the mission just days after his 2013 election and it explained the name he chose as pope, honoring St. Francis of Assisi “who had the heart of the poor of the world,” according to the official decree of the pope’s life that was placed in his coffin before it was sealed Friday night.

Despite Francis’ focus on the powerless, the powerful were out in force at his funeral. U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined Prince William and European royals leading more than 160 official delegations. Argentine President Javier Milei had the pride of place given Francis’ nationality, even if the two didn’t particularly get along and the pope alienated many Argentines by never returning home.

Trump and Zelenskyy met privately on the sidelines of the funeral. A photo showed the two men sitting alone, facing one another and hunched over on chairs in St. Peter’s Basilica, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and President Donald Trump, talk as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

The white facade of St. Peter’s glowed pink as the sun rose Saturday and hordes of mourners rushed into the square. Giant television screens were set up along the surrounding streets for those who couldn’t get close. The Mass and funeral procession across town — with Francis’ coffin carried on the open-topped popemobile he used during his 2015 trip to the Philippines — were also broadcast live around the world.

Police helicopters whirled overhead, part of the massive security operation Italian authorities mounted, including more than 2,500 police, 1,500 soldiers and a torpedo ship off the coast, Italian media reported.

Many mourners had planned to be in Rome anyway this weekend for the now-postponed Holy Year canonization of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, and groups of scouts and youth church groups nearly outnumbered the gaggles of nuns and seminarians.

“He was a very charismatic pope, very human, very kind, above all very human,” said Miguel Vaca, a pilgrim from Peru who said he had camped out near the piazza. “It is a very great emotion to say goodbye to him.”

The book of the Gospels lies on the coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral ceremony in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A nun holds a phot of Pope Francis while attending his funeral in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)People wait for the funeral procession of Pope Francis in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)Faithful gather to follow the burial ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)Faithful gather to follow the burial ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis leaves St. Peter’s Square on its way to St.Mary Major where he will be buried, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Faithful holding white roses wait for the burial ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis makes its way to St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis makes its way to St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis arrives at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)The coffin of Pope Francis is transported in front of the Colosseum on its way to St. Mary Major where he will be buried, Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)People wait for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Nuns and faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful pray during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful pray during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Nuns attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Nuns pray during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Nuns watch the funeral of Pope Francis from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful react during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A faithful reacts during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Clergy are seated for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Nuns share a laugh as people gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Clergy arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Cardinals sit in their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Priests and an assistant make arrangements ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Statues on the Charlemagne Wing are silhouetted as the sun rises ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)A nun stands in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A nun holds a rosary as she waits for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)A nun looks above the crowds as people gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A Vatican Swiss Guard in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Faithful sit in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Nadine, from Germany, is waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful wait for the start of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful stand on a lamppost as they wait for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Faithful rest on the ground outside St Peter’s Basilica waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)A faithful waves a flag with Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old Italian boy who died in 2006 of leukemia and beatified in 2020, at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Faithful and Swiss Guards are backdropped by St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A nun waits in St. Peter’s Square as people arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A man yawns as people arrive in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Nuns and pilgrims make their way to St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)A faithful wearing a flag from Argentina arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Police officers speak in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Nuns and other pilgrims look for their seats in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)Faithful, one holding a placard with the Ukrainian flag and reading Francis, pray for us, arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)A nun smiles as she waits ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)The sun rises through a statue as people begin to take their seats in St. Peter’s Square, ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)The coffin of Pope Francis is placed on the ground during his funeral in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelenskyy, center, arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, as Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, looks on, as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Clergy attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)People attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)President Donald Trump, front row right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelenskyy, front row left, are seen amongst other dignitaries during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Nuns and faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Faithful listen to mass during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)President Donald Trump, center right, with first lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, front row left center, and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, center left, and other dignitaries, attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)The coffin of Pope Francis is placed on the ground in St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful gather during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, kneeling right, presides over the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)A view of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)A view of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)The coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Clergy take their seats for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter’s Square during his funeral ceremony, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re prays in front of the coffin during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)The coffin of Pope Francis is laid into St. Peter’s Square during his funeral ceremony, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)Clergy during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)A person prays during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Clergy take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Journalists stand on the colonnade outside St Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Faithful rest on the ground as they wait for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)People gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)Show Caption1 of 84The book of the Gospels lies on the coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral ceremony in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)ExpandThe poor and marginalized welcome him

Francis, the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope, died Easter Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke while recovering at home from pneumonia.

Following his funeral, preparations can begin in earnest to launch the centuries-old process of electing a new pope, a conclave that will likely begin in the first week of May. In the interim, the Vatican is being run by a handful of cardinals, key among them Re, who is organizing the secret voting in the Sistine Chapel.

Francis is breaking with recent tradition and will be buried in St. Mary Major, near Rome’s main train station, where a simple tomb awaits him with just his name: Franciscus. As many as 300,000 people are expected to line the 6-kilometer (3.5-mile) motorcade route.

Related Articles What to know about the funeral and burial of Pope Francis Photos: From mightiest to humblest, hundreds of thousands gather for Pope Francis’ funeral Trump pays his respects to a pope who publicly and pointedly disagreed with him, meets Zelenskyy Pope Francis funeral: Watch live from Vatican City Trump calls for Ukraine and Russia to meet for ‘very high level’ talks, says they are close to deal

Forty special guests, organized by the Vatican’s Caritas charity and the Sant’Egidio community, will greet his coffin at the basilica, honoring the marginalized groups Francis prioritized as pope: homeless people and migrants, prisoners and transgender people.

“The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God,” the Vatican quoted Francis as saying in explaining the choice.

A special relationship with the basilica

Even before he became pope, Francis had a particular affection for St. Mary Major, home to a Byzantine-style icon of the Madonna, the Salus Populi Romani, to which Francis was particularly devoted. He would pray before it before and after each of his foreign trips as pope.

The choice of the basilica is also symbolically significant given its ties to Francis’ Jesuit religious order. St. Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Jesuits, celebrated his first Mass in the basilica on Christmas Day in 1538.

Crowds waited hours to bid farewell to Francis

Over three days this week, more than 250,000 people stood for hours in line to pay their final respects while Francis’ body lay in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican kept the basilica open through the night to accommodate them, but it wasn’t enough. When the doors closed to the general public at 7 p.m. on Friday, mourners were turned away in droves.

By dawn Saturday, they were back, some recalling the words he uttered the very first night of his election and throughout his papacy.

“We are here to honor him because he always said ‘don’t forget to pray for me,’” said Sister Christiana Neenwata from Biafrana, Nigeria. “So we are also here to give to him this love that he gave to us.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.