Background on Olga Liubimova and Her Role
Olga Liubimova, Russia’s Minister of Culture, has been chosen by President Vladimir Putin to represent Russia at the funeral of Pope Francis, which is scheduled for this Saturday in Rome. The announcement was made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, according to Interfax news agency.
Putin’s Tribute to Pope Francis
President Putin expressed his condolences, remembering Pope Francis as a “faithful servant of Christian teachings” and “a wise religious figure and a statesman” who promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Expected International Attendance
Notable international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are expected to attend the funeral.
Notable Absences
Among those not attending will be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, like Putin, has an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Putin’s warrant is due to alleged forced displacement of minors during the Ukraine war, while Netanyahu’s is for crimes in the Gaza Strip.
Pope Francis’ Passing
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, a day after his last public appearance coinciding with Easter Sunday, due to a stroke and an irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, according to Vatican health authorities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Olga Liubimova? Olga Liubimova is Russia’s Minister of Culture, appointed by President Vladimir Putin.
- Why was Liubimova chosen to represent Russia at Pope Francis’ funeral? President Putin selected Liubimova to pay respects to Pope Francis, acknowledging his role as a religious leader and statesman who fostered dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
- Which international leaders are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral? Notable attendees include US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Who is not attending Pope Francis’ funeral? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be present, along with President Putin, due to arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court.
- What was the cause of Pope Francis’ death? Pope Francis died on Monday at 88 due to a stroke and an irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, as confirmed by Vatican health authorities.
