Today, the world says goodbye to Pope Francis. His funeral is taking place at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Many important leaders from across the globe are attending. They have come to honor the Pope’s life and legacy. His leadership touched millions, and the huge turnout reflects that impact.
Prince of Wales attends Pope Francis’ Funeral for King Charles after recent Vatican visit
The Prince of Wales is attending the funeral on behalf of King Charles. Earlier this month, King Charles and Queen Camilla traveled to Rome. They visited the Vatican and met the Pope in a private audience. That visit came just days after Buckingham Palace announced the King’s hospital stay, linked to his ongoing cancer treatment. Despite his health, the King made sure the royal family would be represented.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says world mourns the Pope
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also received an invitation and is attending. He spoke about the global sadness after the Pope’s death. Starmer said there had been “an outpouring of grief and love.” He pointed out how Pope Francis was respected by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His words showed how the Pope’s influence reached beyond religion.
Donald Trump and Melania confirm attendance despite past tensions
Donald Trump and his wife Melania are attending too. Trump announced the news on his platform, Truth Social. He said they both looked forward to being in Rome. However, the relationship between Trump and Pope Francis had not always been smooth. In the past, the Pope had criticized Trump’s immigration policies, calling them unfair. Even so, Trump is now honoring the late Pope by attending.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remembers the Pope’s prayers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is among the mourners. He met the Pope three times during his presidency. Zelenskyy praised Pope Francis for constantly praying for peace in Ukraine. In his tribute, he said the Ukrainian people are grieving deeply today. The Pope’s support for Ukraine during the war meant a lot to him and his nation.
French President Emmanuel Macron praises the Pope’s compassion
French President Emmanuel Macron is attending the service as well. In his message, he called the Pope “a voice for the fragile.” Macron stressed how important the Pope’s kindness was in today’s world of violence and conflict. His words showed deep respect for the Pope’s efforts to promote peace and compassion.
Italian and Argentine leaders get places of honor at Pope Francis’ Funeral
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s President Javier Milei have special seats during the service. Their places reflect important ties. Italy surrounds the Vatican, and Argentina was the Pope’s birthplace. He once served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before becoming Pope. It is fitting that leaders from both countries are given a place of pride today.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei pays tribute despite past insults
Javier Milei’s presence is especially notable. Before becoming president, he called Pope Francis “an imbecile” and “the representative of evil.” Still, Milei paid a heartfelt tribute after the Pope’s death. He wrote that knowing the Pope’s “goodness and wisdom” was an honor. His message shows how even former critics are mourning today.
Joe Biden and Jill Biden seen at the service in the Roman sun
Former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are attending too. They arrived under the bright Roman sunshine and took their seats before the service began. Biden, now 82, was seen getting a little help as he made his way to his place. His presence highlights the strong connection between the Pope and the American Catholic community.
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva declares seven days of mourning
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and his wife Janja are also there. Brazil has declared a seven-day mourning period to honor the Pope. In his tribute, Lula called the Pope “a voice of respect and welcome.” He praised the Pope’s daily example of love, tolerance, and solidarity. These values, Lula said, should guide humanity even after the Pope’s passing.
EU leaders join the global farewell to Pope Francis
European Union leaders are present too. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is attending. She praised the Pope’s humility and his deep love for the poor. Council President Antonio Costa and Parliament President Roberta Metsola are also expected. Together, they show how Pope Francis touched leaders well beyond religious circles.
Many presidents, prime ministers, and royals among attendees of Pope Francis’ Funeral
Leaders from around the world are there today. Among them are Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Presidents from Brazil, the Philippines, and Poland are attending too. Royals from Belgium, Sweden, and Norway are present. The guest list covers many continents, showing how global the Pope’s influence was.
Vladimir Putin offers condolences but skips funeral
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not attending the funeral. The Kremlin confirmed this earlier. However, Putin did send a message of sympathy to the Vatican. He praised the Pope for promoting dialogue between Orthodox and Catholic Christians. His absence reflects today’s complicated global political scene.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will not attend amid tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also missing from the ceremony. Israel’s ambassador Yaron Sideman is attending instead. Relations between Israel and the Vatican have worsened since the Gaza war started. In 2023, a dispute broke out over whether the Pope called the conflict “genocide.” Though the Vatican denied it, the tension remained high.
Rome’s Chief Rabbi to attend despite Jewish Sabbath
Rome’s Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni will be attending the funeral too. This is remarkable because the funeral falls on the Jewish Sabbath. Despite this, the rabbi decided to honor the Pope’s legacy by being there. His attendance underlines the respect Pope Francis earned from many faiths around the world.
