World Leaders, Clergy Pay Tributes as Pope Francis buried in Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major

World Leaders, Clergy Pay Tributes as Pope Francis buried in Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major World leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who was laid to rest on Saturday. The burial ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, drew an extraordinary assembly of global figures, including heads of state, royalty, and religious leaders. Leading the delegation of world leaders were the Presidents of the United States of America Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron of France, Alexander Stubb, Finland and Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, respectively. Also present were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament Tomas Tayebwa, and Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio. President Donald Trump in his Tribute described Pope Francis as "a beacon of humility, faith, and peace," praising his commitment to bringing nations together through dialogue and compassion. "Today, the world says goodbye to a leader who transcended boundaries and touched millions with his message of mercy and love," Trump said. French President Emmanuel Macron reflected on Pope Francis' environmental advocacy, recalling his landmark encyclical Laudato Si': "The Pope called on us to care for our common home. France will honor his memory by deepening our commitment to protecting our planet." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid an emotional tribute, highlighting Pope Francis' repeated calls for peace during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine: "He was a voice of conscience urging the world to choose diplomacy over violence. Ukraine mourns with the world today." Irish President Michael D. Higgins emphasized the Pope’s deep concern for the marginalized and displaced: "Francis constantly reminded us of our moral duty to the poor, the refugee, and the oppressed. His compassion will not be forgotten." In his Tribute the Leader of the Nigeria delegation Senate President Godswill Akpabio called the Pope "an unwavering advocate for interfaith dialogue" and a "champion for justice and equity, not just within the Catholic Church but across all societies." Amid the solemnity, several religious leaders from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Jews and other faiths offered prayers, reflecting the late pontiff's lifelong dedication to interfaith harmony. The ceremony concluded with a moving homily by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, who praised Pope Francis' legacy of "mercy, inclusion, and hope," saying, "He leaves us a world forever marked by his tenderness and courage." As the bells of St. Peter's rang out, Pope Francis was laid to rest with a wooden casket in a simple tomb beneath the Basilica — in accordance with his wishes for humility and simplicity, even in death, becoming the first Pope to be buried outside the Vatican city.