Vatican City (AP) – From some of the most powerful leaders in the world to those on the margins of society to whom Pope Francis Always made a point Minister ofHundreds of thousands of people were expected in the Vatican on Saturday for funeral rites for the late Pontiff.
President of the United States Donald Trump And another 60 heads of state and reigning sovereign announced their plans to travel to Rome from Around the world. The Vatican said that “a group of the poor and those in need” would be in the steps of Santa María Mayor Basilica pay tribute to the first Jesuit And first Latin American Pope before his burial in the church.
The Santa Headquarters press office added that The poor Had a special place in Francis’s heart. Had chosen the name of the Medieval Italian saint Who resigned from the wealth of his family when he joined the Church.
Already, Long lines of the faithful They have paid their tribute to Francis, who He died on Monday At 88, during the three days that his body was I lie in the state In a simple wooden coffin inside San Pedro Basilica.
From the beginning of his papacy in 2013, Francis won over many worldwide, Catholic or not, with his defense For migrants and The environment. His legacy was more mixed in the issues of Clergy sexual abuse and LGBTQ+ scopethat made waves to increase inclusion, but some criticized for not going far enough.







Originally published: