Believers gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome

Believers have been gathering since early morning in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where Pope Francis is scheduled to be buried. The funeral of the pontiff will begin on April 26 at 10:00 (11:00 Moscow time). Footage from the scene is published by Izvestia.

Hundreds of thousands of people arrived in the Italian capital to say goodbye to Francis. The roads in Rome have become a pedestrian zone. Police and Carabinieri patrol the streets to avoid accidents.

Saint from the slums: Pope Francis has died

The first pontiff of South American origin traveled to his parish by subway

A total of 50 heads of state, including US President Donald Trump, will attend the pope's funeral. Russia will be represented at the ceremony by Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova.

Pope Francis died on the morning of April 21 at the age of 89. According to Professor Andrea Archangeli, director of the Vatican's Office of Health and Hygiene, death occurred as a result of a cerebral stroke. On the occasion of his death, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences to the Camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church to Farrell.