OThe NE of the most reformed leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died on Monday April 21. He was 88 years old.
His death came after continuous health problems, which saw him bear a five -week hospital stay, from which he was released on March 23.
In a statement announcing his death, the Vatican said: “The most expensive brothers and sisters, with deep sadness, I must announce the death of our Saint-Père François. All his life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal, in particular in favor of the poorest and most margalized. ”
Not only was the Pope Fire new in his approach to direct the Catholic Church, but he was the first non-European to occupy the position in more than 1,200 years and the first Latin American Pope.
The Vatican has since announced arrangements for the Pope’s funeral, which should take place on Saturday, April 26. The service will be held outside in front of the Basilica of St Peter. The public had the chance to pay tribute to the Pope after his body was transferred to the basilica to lie in the state.
As an important and influential figure for many, the death of Pope Francis has acquired condolences and prayers of leaders around the world. Figures on all sides of the political spectrum should attend his funeral, from American president Donald Trump to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Cultural figures will also be present at the service in Rome.
In the current state of things, here is what should attend the funeral:
Donald and Melania Trump
The president confirmed via his social media platform, Truth Social, whom himself and the first lady, Melania Trump, should be present. He said they “can’t wait to be there”.
Vice-president JD Vance met the Pope on Easter Sunday in Rome, a day before his death. The brief meeting has occurred in the midst of thorny relations between the papacy and the Trump administration, which had worsened in recent months when Pope Francis has openly criticized the American policy on expulsion.
Prince William
The eldest son of King Charles III, Prince William, is confirmed to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, according to a press release from the Palais de Kensington. William will represent his father, just as Charles represented the late Queen Elizabeth II at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
The attendance of the Prince of Wales in place of the king is a modern tradition, and a declaration to establish more the role of William as the future king.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also represent the United Kingdom in the service, as a spokesperson confirmed on April 22 during a Downing Street press briefing.
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to Pope Francis after his death, declaring: “His leadership in a complex and difficult period for the world and the Church was often courageous, but still came from a place of deep humility.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
The Ukrainian president is confirmed as being present for the Saint-Pierre basilica service, according to his communication advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn.
Zelensky paid tribute to the late Pope on his official X account, saying: “We remember his prayers for peace in Ukraine. Our state will be represented in Rome during the farewell ceremony this next Saturday. ”
Pope Francis and the Ukrainian president met for the last time in October 2024, during the European diplomatic tour of Zelensky.
Micheál Martin
The representation of the countries with a Catholic majority will be present, because the Irish president Michael D. Higgins will be present at the service on April 26, alongside Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Micheál Martin.
On April 22, Higgins paid tribute to the fire by signing a book of condolences for the pontiff in Dublin, Ireland.
Ursula von der Leyen
Another key European figure, the president of the EU commission, Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed that she would be present for the funeral of Pope Francis at the Saint-Pierre Basilica.
Von der Leyen’s attendance opens the way to a potential key meeting between her and Trump. Although the president has interrupted additional prices on the EU, this could always be an important meeting between the two.
Javier Milei
Javier Milei, the conservative president of Argentina native of Pope Francis, will also go to Rome for the funeral on Saturday, as confirmed by a government declaration.
Milei was an open critic of the Pope’s opinions, adding to another declaration: “Despite the differences that seem minor today, after having been able to know him in his goodness and his wisdom was a real honor for me.”
At the news of the death of the pontiff, seven days of national mourning were announced in Argentina.
Giorgia meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni would have canceled a visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to attend the funeral on Saturday.
In a statement paying tribute to Pope Francis, Meloni said: “I had the privilege of taking advantage of his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which have never stopped even in times of trial and suffering.”
