Background on Dina Boluarte and Her Relevance
Dina Boluarte, the current President of Peru, assumed office on March 31, 2023. As the first female president in Peru’s history, she has been navigating various political and international challenges. Her request to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican highlights her respect for religious figures and her commitment to international diplomacy.
The Request and Congressional Decision
On Tuesday evening, President Boluarte submitted a request to leave Peru between April 24 and 28 to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
According to Peruvian law, the president cannot leave the country without authorization from Congress.
Congressional Vote and Reactions
Following a brief debate, the right-leaning Congress rejected her request with 45 votes against, 40 in favor, and one abstention.
Eduardo Salhuana, the President of Congress, declared, “The proposed legislative resolution authorizing the president’s trip has not been approved.”
Susel Paredes, a centrist-left legislator, questioned the request, suggesting that if Boluarte wishes to pray for the late Pope’s soul, she should follow his example of austerity and attend daily mass without extravagance.
Peru’s Response and International Representation
In response to the decision, Peru declared three days of national mourning for Pope Francis. The Foreign Minister, Elmer Schialer, will represent Peru at the funeral in place of President Boluarte.
Pope Francis’ Funeral Details
Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first time a pope will be buried outside the Vatican since Pope León XIII in 1903.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Dina Boluarte? Dina Boluarte is the current President of Peru, taking office on March 31, 2023. She is the first female president in Peru’s history.
- Why did President Boluarte request permission to attend the funeral? President Boluarte sought authorization from Congress to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican, out of respect for the late religious leader.
- What was the outcome of the Congressional vote? The Peruvian Congress, controlled by a right-leaning majority, rejected President Boluarte’s request with 45 votes against, 40 in favor, and one abstention.
- Who will represent Peru at the funeral? Elmer Schialer, the Foreign Minister of Peru, will represent the country at Pope Francis’ funeral in place of President Boluarte.
- What are the details surrounding Pope Francis’ funeral? Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, with his burial being the first outside the Vatican since Pope León XIII in 1903.
