The Book of Gospels located in Pope Francis’ casket as a symbol of his faith and devotion of life

10:30-One open book of Gospels is placed on Pope Francis’s closed casket.

Pope Francis’s burial mass has begun with the antifonies of the entrance. This is a selection of strings of psalms or parts of the scripture that are traditionally sung or recited.

Pope Francis’ funeral service is being led by the Dean of the Cardinal College, Giovanni Battista Re.

The 91-year-old Italian was ordained in the Diocese of Brescia in 1957. In 2001, Pope John Paul II declared him cardinal.

He was elected Dean of the Cardinal College in 2020 and Pope Francis extended his mandate in February this year.

Participated in the April 2005 conclusions, which elected Pope Benedictin XVI and in the March 2013 conclusions, which chose Pope Francis.

10: 00-US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, has arrived today at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

This visit marks Trump’s first trip abroad since his return to the White House.

Initially, Trump’s first international visit after re -election was scheduled to Saudi Arabia in May. However, after the news of Pope Francis’s death, Trump changed the agenda, deciding to travel to Rome to attend the funeral.

In honor of the Pope, Trump ordered the flags across the United States to wave in half a spear, describing the act as a « respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis ».

Through a post on social trump, Trump wrote: « Melania and I will participate in Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome. We look forward to being there! »

In December, in the role of the elected president, Trump had also participated in the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, returning to the international stage before his official inauguration.

Trump’s presence in Rome is expected to be a rare opportunity for world leaders to hold direct meetings with him, at a time when many countries are facing the consequences of tariffs set by his administration.

Before leaving for Rome, Trump said to reporters outside the White House: « It will be very interesting. We will meet many foreign leaders – they want to meet. »