Rome in mourning: Farewell to Pope Francis takes place in the Holy City
On April 26, in the heart of Italy, in the Eternal City of Rome, a solemn farewell ceremony to Pope Francis, the 266th successor of Saint Peter and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, began. This momentous event gathered thousands of believers, diplomats, world politicians, and ordinary residents who came to pay their respects to one of the most influential religious figures of modern times. The event is broadcast live on the official "Ukrainian Pravda" channel, allowing Ukrainians around the world to witness this significant moment. During the live footage, well-known Ukrainian priest and theologian Father Vitaliy Khrabatyn comments on the ceremony in Ukrainian, adding depth and spiritual grandeur to the event. The official funeral and farewell to Pope Francis started at 11:00 Kyiv time. According to Vatican reports, this day is especially meaningful for the spiritual world, as Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at his residence within St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. His death was due to a severe stroke, which proved fatal for the 88-year-old pontiff, who dedicated his life to serving the church, peace, and social justice. Farewell ceremonies with the Pope continue in the halls of the Vatican, filled with grief and respect. During this tragic time, the world has learned that several global leaders have already expressed their willingness to personally travel to Vatican to participate in the farewell ceremony. Specifically, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to arrive in Rome. This will be a significant event for Ukrainian state leadership, as Zelensky intends to personally pay tribute to his spiritual mentor, and for Trump, it will be his first foreign visit during his second presidential term. For security reasons and proper preparation for the funeral events, all aircraft flying over Rome have been prohibited. This decision was made considering the high concentration of delegations and numerous delegates from around the world, as well as to ensure order and safety during the mourning days. Francis's funeral will be one of the largest and most significant ceremonies in the history of the modern church, as he was not only a spiritual guide to billions of believers but also an active participant in global humanitarian processes. His legacy continues to inspire many on the path of peace, love, and compassion. His death was a tragic loss for the entire world, but there is hope that his ideas and actions will continue to live on in the hearts of millions. From now on, Rome will forever remember this magnificent event, which gathered in the center of the Christian world all who value spirituality and human values. Pope Francis’s funeral will serve as another reminder of the importance of faith and unity in these challenging times for the church and the entire global community.