Funeral Preparations for Pope Underway in Rome

17 hours ago Heads of state and royalty will begin converging on Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, but the group of poor people who will meet his casket in a small crosstown basilica are more in keeping with Francis’ humble persona and disdain for pomp. U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are among the leaders arriving Friday. That is the last day Argentine pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin is sealed in preparation for his funeral Saturday. More than 150,000 mourners have waited hours in line to bid farewell to Francis, who died Monday.