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The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, is anticipated to attract a large crowd, including devoted followers from around the globe and numerous world dignitaries.
Around 130 delegations are confirmed to attend the funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, including approximately 50 heads of state and at least 10 other global leaders.
US
President Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, will attend the funeral. Despite their sometimes contentious relationship, this visit is seen as a gesture of respect.
Vice President JD Vance, who met with the pope shortly before his passing, and his wife Usha will not be present at the event. However, former President Joe Biden is expected to be in attendance, according to reports from Italian media.
TRUMP WILL ATTEND POPE FRANCIS’ FUNERAL IN ROME DESPITE CONTENTIOUS PAST: ‘LOOK FORWARD TO BEING THERE!’
Pope Francis met with President Trump and First Lady Melania at the Apostolic Palace on May 24, 2017, in Vatican City.
UNITED KINGDOM
Following in his father’s footsteps, King Charles III, who represented the late Queen Elizabeth II at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, Prince William will also attend the funeral.
While his family will not accompany him, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to join the proceedings in remembrance of the pontiff.
ITALY
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reportedly altered her schedule, canceling a trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to attend the funeral.
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Meloni expressed, “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased, not even during times of trial and suffering.”
ARGENTINA
Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, which is Pope Francis’ homeland, announced he will travel to Rome to honor the pontiff, despite having been critical of him in the past.
Milei remarked, “Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me.”
IRELAND
Representatives from Ireland, a nation with a significant Catholic population, will include both President Michael Higgins and Prime Minister Martin at the funeral.
UKRAINE
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has confirmed his attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral, honoring the pontiff’s prayers for peace in Ukraine. Zelenskyy previously met with the pope in October 2024.
EUROPEAN UNION
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has also confirmed her attendance, marking a significant event as it will be the first occasion she and Trump have shared since he took office.
While many world leaders are expected to be present, notable absences will include leaders from conflicting nations such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with those from countries criticized by the pope for human rights violations, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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