The funeral for Pope Francis, who was 88 years outdated when he died on April 21, is anticipated to be extensively attended by not solely the trustworthy, who’re anticipated to journey worldwide for the occasion, but additionally by world leaders.
Some 130 delegations confirmed they’ll journey to Rome for the funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, together with roughly 50 heads of state and no less than one other 10 world leaders.
US
President Donald Trump will journey together with his spouse, first girl Melani Trump, who’s a Roman Catholic, for the funeral in a present of respect regardless of the very fact the president and the pope at instances butted heads.
Neither Vice President JD Vance, who visited the pope on the eve of his demise, nor his spouse, Usha, are anticipated to be on the funeral.
Former President Joe Biden is anticipated to be in attendance, in accordance with Italian media reviews.
Pope Francis meets President Donald Trump and first girl Melania Trump on the Apostolic Palace on Might 24, 2017, in Vatican Metropolis, Vatican. (Vatican Pool/Getty Photographs)
UNITED KINGDOM
Simply as his father, now-King Charles III, represented the late Queen Elizabeth II on the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, the eldest son and subsequent in line for the throne, Prince William, will attend the funeral on Saturday.
His household just isn’t anticipated to be with him, although Prime Minister Kier Starmer is anticipated to attend the pontiff’s funeral.
ITALY
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly canceled journey plans to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan so she may attend the pope’s funeral.
In a tribute to Pope Francis posted on social media the day he died, Meloni mentioned, “I had the privilege of having fun with his friendship, his recommendation, his teachings, which by no means ceased, not even throughout instances of trial and struggling.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni greets Pope Francis as he attends the G7 Summit on the Borgo Egnazia resort in Savelletri, Italy, on June 14, 2024. (Vatican Media/Handout through REUTERS)
MILEI, POPE FRANCIS EMBRACE IN ROME DESPITE PAST INSULTS
ARGENTINA
Javier Milei, president of Pope Francis’ native nation of Argentina, confirmed he would make the journey to pay his respects to the person of whom he was often critical.
In an announcement issued after the pope’s demise, Milei mentioned, “Regardless of variations that appear minor at present, having been in a position to know him in his goodness and knowledge was a real honor for me.”
IRELAND
Eire, a Catholic nation, might be represented by each President Michael Higgins and Prime Minister Martin for the pontiff’s funeral.
UKRAINE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he’ll attend Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, and in a tribute to the pontiff, he mentioned, “We keep in mind his prayers for peace in Ukraine. Our state might be represented in Rome on the farewell ceremony this coming Saturday.”
Zelenskyy final visited the pope in October 2024.
Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky throughout an viewers on the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 11, 2024, in Vatican Metropolis, Vatican. (Vatican Media through Vatican Pool/Getty Photographs)
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EUROPEAN UNION
EU Fee President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she is going to attend the pope’s funeral in what’s going to mark the primary occasion she and Trump have attended since he took workplace.
Many different world leaders are anticipated to attend, although notably leaders from adversarial nations like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese language President Xi Jinping, in addition to leaders of countries the pope was essential of over human rights concerns, like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, won’t be in attendance on Saturday.
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