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 love, in particular in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. ”
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 funeral of the Pope, which is planned take place Saturday, April 26. The service will be held outside in front of the St Peter basilica. The public had the chance to pay tribute to the Pope after his body was moved to the basilica situate yourself in the state.
Find out more: Pope Francis, the “parish priest of the world” who led to a era of crisis, died at 88 years old
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, Social truthWhether he 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.
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 The Prime Minister expressed condolences For 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 To be present for the Saint-Pierre Basilica service, according to his communication advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn.
Zelensky tribute The pope on fire 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 October 2024During the European diplomatic tour of Zelensky.
Find out more: The lasting link between Pope Francis and a parish in Gaza
Micheál Martin
The representation of the countries with a Catholic majority will be present, as Irish president Michael D. Higgins will be present In the service of April 26, alongside Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Micheál Martin.
On April 22, Higgins paid tribute to the deceased pope 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 from Pope Francis, will also go to Rome for the funeral on Saturday, as confirmed via a government declaration.
Milei was an open critic of the Pope's views, adding another Declaration: “Despite the differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness 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.
Find out more: The Climate Pope: Francis and its environmental heritage
Giorgia meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has would have canceled a visit In Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to attend the funeral on Saturday.
In A declaration paying tribute For 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.”
