Introduction
The funeral of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, will take place on Saturday, April 26th in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square, as confirmed by Vatican authorities.
From Buenos Aires to Beijing, the world continues to mourn the passing of the first Latin American pope, who just a day before his death engaged with thousands during Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.
American Leaders
- United States: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania
- Argentina: President Javier Milei, his sister Karina (Secretary General of the Presidency), and several ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Gerardo Werthein.
- Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja.
- Ecuador: President Daniel Noboa.
European Leaders
- Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
- Portugal: President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, National Assembly President José Pedro Aguiar Branco, and Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel.
- United Kingdom: Prince William (representing his father, King Charles III) and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Ireland: President Micheal D. Higgins, Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris.
- France: President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Noël Barrot, and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
- Germany: President Frank Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
- Monaco: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
- Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Poland: President Andrzej Duda and Parliament Speaker Szymon Holownia.
- Belgium: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
- Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker.
- Hungary: President Tamas Sulyok.
- Czech Republic: Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
- Romania: Interim President Ilie Bolojan.
- Slovenia: President Natasa Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Robert Golob.
- Slovakia: President Peter Pellegrini.
- Lithuania: President Gitanas Nauseda.
- Latvia: President Edgars Rinkevics.
- Estonia: President Alar Karis.
- Moldova: President Maia Sandu.
- Kosovo: President Vjosa Osmani.
- Netherlands: Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp.
- European Union: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa.
Asian Leaders
- Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos.
Farewell, Pope Francis
Believers from around the world can start saying their goodbyes to the first Latin American pope starting Wednesday when his casket will be displayed for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica, announced the Vatican on Tuesday.
The body of Pope Francis was depicted in the Santa Marta chapel.
The remains of Jorge Mario Bergoglio currently rest in the Santa Marta chapel, where he passed away on Monday at 88 due to a stroke nearly a month after being discharged from a lengthy hospitalization for respiratory issues.
His body lies in a casket, adorned with a red cassock and white mitre, holding a rosary, and guarded by two Swiss Guards, according to the first official images taken on Monday and released Tuesday.
His wooden and zinc casket will leave the Santa Marta chapel at 09:00 local time on Wednesday, heading to the St. Peter’s Basilica, where believers can pay their final respects until Friday night.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is attending the funeral? World leaders from various countries, including American, European, Asian, and representatives from the European Union, are attending Pope Francis’ funeral.
- What is the significance of Pope Francis’ death? As the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, Pope Francis’ death has a profound impact on the global Catholic community. His passing also initiates the process for selecting his successor.
- What are the next steps following Pope Francis’ death? The cardinals will hold a conclave within 15 to 20 days to elect the new pope. More than two-thirds of the 135 electors were appointed by Pope Francis himself.
- What is the significance of the three-day casket display at St. Peter’s Basilica? The three-day casket display allows believers from around the world to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes to Pope Francis.
