VATICAN CITY (AP) — In a remarkable gathering of world dignitaries and Catholic faithful, Pope Francis' funeral took place in St. Peter's Square on Saturday. This momentous occasion witnessed the attendance of numerous presidents, princes, and common citizens, including prisoners and migrants, who symbolically led the pontiff's body into the basilica where he will be laid to rest, reflecting the values he championed during his papacy. Hundreds of thousands are reported to have attended the funeral Mass, showcasing the profound impact Francis had on people around the globe.

Among the notable attendees were U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, European Union leaders, Prince William, and members of the Spanish royal family. In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis chose to be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will rest in a simple underground tomb marked only with his name: Franciscus.

As the funeral unfolded, UK's Prince William represented King Charles III, standing alongside British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for a moment of silence before the sealed coffin of Pope Francis. Dressed in a dark blue suit and black tie, he navigated through the ornate basilica and entered St. Peter’s Square, showing his respect for the late pope in this significant role as heir to the throne.

During the funeral Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re remembered Pope Francis as "a pope among the people," praising his ability to connect with the "least among us" through a style that was informal and spontaneous. Cardinal Re emphasized that many would remember Francis for his last blessing on Easter Sunday, viewed from his popemobile in the same piazza where the funeral was held.

The Vatican announced that approximately 200,000 people attended the funeral Mass, although it did not clarify if this figure pertained solely to St. Peter’s Square. Mourners lined the streets leading to the Vatican and followed the Mass via large screens set up in public squares throughout Rome, including outside the Santa Maria Major Basilica.

Prominent leaders gathered at the funeral included Trump, who met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the service. The discussions in Rome were described as productive, with Trump advocating for "very high-level talks" between Ukraine and Russia to resolve the ongoing conflict triggered by Russia’s invasion.

Pope Francis' funeral was characterized by an emotional atmosphere as tens of thousands attended a Mass that he himself had choreographed, simplifying Vatican rites just the previous year. The simple wooden coffin, adorned only with a crucifix and Francis’ coat of arms, was carried by pallbearers down the central aisle of St. Peter's Basilica amidst applause and reverence from the crowd.

As the funeral procession commenced, the coffin was placed on the back of a modified popemobile used during Francis’ 2015 trip to the Philippines, allowing mourners to see the coffin throughout the nearly 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) route from St. Peter’s Basilica to the burial site. The pope cherished these moments of connection with his followers during his life, enhancing the significance of this final ride.

Mourners, including a group from Calabria who camped out overnight, expressed their heartfelt emotions regarding the late pontiff. Many pilgrims spoke about Francis with deep respect, describing him as charismatic, kind, and relatable. Several attendees, such as Miguel Vaca from Peru and Italian pilgrim Pasquale Vezza, articulated their hopes for a continuation of Francis’ message of peace and humility.

World leaders and dignitaries filled the designated seating area, with EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, and Argentine President Javier Milei among those present. As attendees settled in for the solemn event, a sense of profound loss resonated among the crowd as they gathered to honor Pope Francis, who had passed away unexpectedly due to a stroke earlier in the week.

The atmosphere in St. Peter's Square was both somber and celebratory, reflecting the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who endeared himself to many as a "pope for the people." His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church as well as for those who resonated with his teachings and compassionate approach towards the marginalized and disenfranchised.