Foreign dignitaries are converging on Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, with 164 delegations confirmed, including 54 heads of state and 12 reigning sovereigns. Tens of thousands of mourners have paid their respects to Francis, with the Vatican extending the basilica's opening hours due to higher-than-expected turnout. The conclave to choose a new pope won't start until at least May 5, after nine days of public mourning. Security measures are in place, with Italy deploying over 2,500 police officers and 1,500 soldiers. Among the foreign dignitaries attending the funeral are US President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Source Id: 2025-04-701496240
