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Pope Francis, a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
His death followed a period of declining health, including a five-week hospital stay, from which he was discharged on March 23.
In a statement announcing his death, the Vatican conveyed: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis. He dedicated his life entirely to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with unwavering faith, courage, and universal love, particularly towards the most vulnerable and marginalized.”
The late Pope was not only innovative in his leadership of the Catholic Church but also the first non-European to occupy the position in over 1,200 years.
The Vatican has since released the details for the Pope’s funeral, set to take place on Saturday, April 26. The ceremony will be conducted outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica. The public has had the opportunity to pay their respects to the Pope as his body lies in state.
As a highly significant and influential person to many, Pope Francis’s death has elicited condolences and prayers from leaders around the globe. Representatives from across the political spectrum, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are expected to attend his funeral. Prominent figures from the cultural sphere will also be present at the service in Rome.
The current list of confirmed attendees is as follows:
Donald and Melania Trump
The President announced via his social media platform that he and the First Lady, Melania Trump, are planning to attend, stating that they “look forward to being there.”
Vice President J.D. Vance had a brief meeting with the Pope in Rome on Easter Sunday, the day before his death. This meeting occurred amidst strained relations between the Papacy and the Trump Administration, which had escalated in recent months due to Pope Francis’s public criticism of U.S. deportation policies.
Prince William
Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III, is confirmed to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, according to a statement issued by Kensington Palace. William will represent his father, similar to Charles’s representation of the late Queen Elizabeth II at a previous event.
The Prince of Wales attending in place of the King is a contemporary practice and reinforces William’s role as the future monarch.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also represent the United Kingdom at the service, as confirmed by a spokesperson on April 22 during a press briefing at Downing Street.
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences following Pope Francis’s death, noting: “His leadership during a complex and challenging period for the world and the church was often brave, yet always rooted in deep humility.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
The Ukrainian President is expected to be present for the service at St Peter’s Basilica, according to his communications advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn.
Zelensky paid tribute to the late Pope on his official X account, stating: “We remember his prayers for peace in Ukraine. Our state will be represented in Rome at the farewell ceremony this coming Saturday.”
Pope Francis and the Ukrainian President last met in while Zelensky was on a European diplomatic tour.
Micheál Martin
Representation from countries with a Catholic majority will be present, with Irish President Michael D. Higgins attending the service on April 26, along with Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Micheál Martin.
On April 22, Higgins honored the late Pope by signing a book of condolence for the Pontiff in Dublin, Ireland.
Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the E.U. Commission, another significant European figure, has confirmed her attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Von der Leyen’s presence could facilitate a crucial meeting between her and Trump. Even with the President having suspended additional tariffs on the E.U., this meeting could be highly significant.
Javier Milei
Javier Milei, the conservative President of Pope Francis’s home country of Argentina, will also travel to Rome for the funeral service on Saturday, as announced in a government statement.
Milei had openly criticized the Pope’s views, adding in a statement: “Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me.”
Following the announcement of the Pontiff’s passing, seven days of national mourning were declared in Argentina.
Giorgia Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has cut short her trips to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to attend Saturday’s funeral.
In her tribute to Pope Francis, Meloni stated: “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased even during times of trial and suffering.”
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