About 200 thousand people came to bid farewell to Pope Francis

The Vatican reported that approximately 200,000 people attended the funeral, according to Radio Svoboda.

Leaders from over 50 countries were present at the ceremony, including the presidents of the United States, Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, and Ukraine, as well as the prime ministers of Great Britain and New Zealand.

In accordance with his will, Pope Francis will be buried in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, rather than in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where many previous popes have been laid to rest.

On April 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. Earlier, on February 14, he had been hospitalized due to a severe respiratory infection, which significantly impacted his health during his 12 years as pope. On March 23, the pope made his first public appearance after more than five weeks away due to illness.

Although he was recovering, he did not lead the pre-Easter rituals and services on April 20; however, he did address thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square on Easter.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina was elected as pope in March 2013.