President William Ruto has arrived in Rome, Italy, to join world leaders and Catholic faithful in mourning the late Pope Francis.
The funeral marks a profound moment for both the Catholic Church and the global community, as they bid farewell to Pope Francis, remembered for his humility and dedication to social justice.
Also present at the ceremony is National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Officials anticipate a turnout of around 250,000 members of the public, alongside approximately 170 heads of state and government. Hundreds of clergy members will also participate, each adhering to a designated dress code for the solemn service.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, will be laid to rest today in Rome, according to a Vatican statement.
Honouring his wishes for simplicity, the late Pope will be buried in a wooden coffin lined with zinc—a choice that reflects his lifelong values. The coffin has been on display this week at St. Peter’s Basilica.
In a break with a century-old tradition, Pope Francis requested to be entombed at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than the customary crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
A Pontiff Who Redefined the Papacy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the eldest of five children. His parents had fled Italy to escape the rise of fascism.
His election in 2013 brought several historic firsts: he was the first pope from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy—a significant moment given the Jesuits’ historically strained relationship with Rome.
Despite expectations that the Church would choose a younger leader, Cardinal Bergoglio was already in his seventies when he became pope. He emerged as a unifying figure, appealing to conservatives through his traditional views on sexual ethics while resonating with reformers through his advocacy for social justice.
Throughout his papacy, Francis emphasized humility over ceremony. He famously declined the papal limousine, choosing instead to travel with fellow cardinals by bus.
His sermons often championed the cause of the marginalized and challenged governments to prioritize the welfare of the poor.
