Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, drawing a significant number of global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The beloved pontiff passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday following a stroke.
Public mourning and attendance confirmation
In preparation for the funeral, the late pope’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for public viewing in an open casket. This public mourning period concludes on Friday at 7 PM, with the funeral service set to take place on Saturday at 10 AM in St. Peter’s Square.
Trump, one of the first leaders to confirm his attendance, announced that he would be traveling to Rome with his wife, Melania. He paid tribute to Pope Francis on social media, expressing his sentiments with a heartfelt message:
“Rest in peace, Pope Francis! God bless him and all who loved him!”
Zelenskyy also confirmed his attendance, emphasizing the pope’s dedication to peace in Ukraine and his unwavering support for Ukrainians amid the ongoing conflict following Russia’s invasion. The Ukrainian leader expressed a desire to meet Trump while in Rome if circumstances allow.
Other notable attendees and representations
In a notable absence, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court regarding the conflict in Ukraine, will not be present at the funeral, according to the Kremlin. However, Russia is expected to announce a representative at a later time.
The European Union will be represented by the presidents of its three primary institutions: Ursula von der Leyen from the European Commission, António Costa from the European Council, and Roberta Metsola from the European Parliament. Von der Leyen reflected on Pope Francis, recalling him as a guiding force toward a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world.
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are set to lead their nation’s delegation. While the attendance of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez remains unconfirmed, the government has stated that a delegation will represent Spain in accordance with the nation’s affection for the late pontiff.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also confirmed his attendance, highlighting Pope Francis’s dedication to the vulnerable and marginalized. Belgium will be represented by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, along with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
From other major EU countries, both Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plan to attend, alongside Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
From the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will represent the nation, while the Prince of Wales attends the funeral on behalf of King Charles.
Other notable European leaders include Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda, Switzerland’s President Karin Keller-Sutter, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, and Romania’s interim President Ilie Bolojan.
It remains uncertain whether royal representatives from Denmark, Monaco, the Netherlands, or Luxembourg will participate, as well as the attendance of monarchs from Norway and Sweden due to various health concerns.
From beyond Europe, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and Argentina’s leader Javier Milei have confirmed their presence at the funeral. While China has expressed condolences regarding the pope’s passing, details about their representation at the funeral remain undisclosed.