VATICAN – President William Ruto has landed in Rome, Italy, joining a sea of mourners gathering for the funeral of Pope Francis—a monumental event drawing global attention and marking a profound moment in Catholic history.
Ruto, alongside National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and other world leaders, will pay final respects to the late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
A Historic Farewell for a Beloved Leader
Pope Francis, revered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering push for social justice, will be laid to rest today in Rome.
According to the Vatican, the Pope succumbed to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, leaving the world to mourn a leader who, for over a decade, sought to bridge divisions and champion the vulnerable.
The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral is expected to attract an overwhelming crowd—an estimated 250,000 members of the public and about 170 heads of state and government. It’s not just a farewell; it’s a historic convergence of faith, politics, and global unity.
Tight Protocols for a Massive Turnout
With the influx of leaders and clergy from around the globe, the Vatican has implemented strict dress codes and seating arrangements for the service.
Clergy members will don formal ecclesiastical robes, while heads of state, including President Ruto, are expected to observe official mourning attire.
The massive turnout underscores the enormous global footprint Pope Francis leaves behind—one that transcended the Catholic Church and resonated with believers and non-believers alike.
According to Catholic News Agency, preparations for the funeral involved extraordinary security and logistical coordination to accommodate the thousands expected to descend on Rome’s St. Peter’s Square.
Kenya’s Presence Among Global Dignitaries
President Ruto’s attendance at the funeral not only signals Kenya’s respect for the late Pope but also cements the country’s diplomatic engagement on the world stage during a deeply significant religious and cultural moment.
As Pope Francis is laid to rest, his legacy of advocating for the marginalized, challenging political complacency, and fostering interfaith dialogue will continue to echo globally—including in Kenya, where his 2015 visit still lingers in public memory.
Today’s funeral isn’t just the end of a papacy—it’s the closing of a chapter that reshaped the modern Catholic Church and the world’s approach to leadership, mercy, and justice.
