A delegation from the Coptic Orthodox Church attended today the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis I of the Vatican, held at St. Peter’s Basilica Square in the Vatican, with the presence of 250,000 people, including 130 official delegations representing countries, churches, and organizations, along with 12 reigning monarchs and 55 heads of state.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II had assigned a delegation headed by His Grace Bishop Barnaba, Bishop of Turin and Rome, to attend the funeral. The delegation also included Their Graces Bishop Angaelos, Bishop of London; Bishop Kyrillos, General Bishop of Los Angeles; and Bishop Antonio, Bishop of Milan.

Following the funeral service, the late Pope of the Vatican will be transferred, according to his will, to a specially prepared burial site at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located six kilometers from the Vatican, where he will be laid to rest.

The Coptic Orthodox Church had previously mourned the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who reposed last Monday. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II described him as “always a voice for peace and truth, standing beside the oppressed, the weary, the marginalized, and the forgotten.”

This page is also available in: العربية