Numerous world leaders and dignitaries are set to attend Pope Francis' funeral on April 26 at the Vatican. The funeral will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and is expected to draw a large international audience. Heads of state from various countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Italy, will be present. The event will also include a procession and seating arrangements that reflect both tradition and geopolitical considerations.
about 1 month ago
Numerous world leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican 1 2. Among them are Argentinian President Javier Milei, U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 1 6. Also attending are King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Prince William of Wales 1 2. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also be present 1 2. Russia will be represented by its culture minister, Olga Lyubimova 6. Israel will be represented by their Ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman 1 6.
The funeral Mass will be held in St. Peter's Square and presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re 4. Following the Mass, Pope Francis' coffin will be taken to St. Mary Major’s Basilica, his chosen burial site 4. The procession will follow the ancient Papal Way, a route not used for a papal funeral in 100 years 4. The hearse will travel at walking pace through the heart of Rome, passing significant landmarks 4. Forty poor and needy people, including migrants and the homeless, will welcome the coffin at St. Mary Major’s Basilica 4. The funeral Mass will be broadcast and livestreamed by multiple media outlets 5.
Rome is under heightened security for the funeral, with extensive measures in place 6 7. Security includes a destroyer off the coast, Eurofighter jets on standby, and anti-drone systems 7. More than 2,000 police officers will patrol the area, with additional officers managing diplomatic convoys 6. Anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage units have also been deployed 6. Barriers have been set up inside and outside St. Peter’s Basilica to control crowds, and security checks are in place 6.
The funeral brings together world leaders, including those with significant disagreements, to honor Pope Francis 6. Pope Francis consistently promoted peace and dialogue throughout his papacy 6. His funeral serves as a final act of bringing people together, focusing on shared remembrance rather than division 6. Cardinal Re noted Pope Francis' determination to serve the church and love his people until the very end 4. Pope Francis chose to be buried among the poor, reflecting his dedication to them 4.
Papal funerals reflect the Church's understanding of governance.
After the death of the Pope, several events occur in preparation for the election of a new Pope.
The death of the Pope is a significant event that involves specific procedures and traditions, including funeral rites, prayers, and preparations for the election of a new Pope.