Pope's Funeral: Who's Attending From Around World?

Pope Francis, a deeply influential figurehead of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88, following a period of declining health that included a five-week hospital stay ending March 23rd. The Vatican announced his death with a statement praising his dedication to service, his embodiment of Gospel values, and his particular concern for the poor and marginalized. As the first non-European and Latin American Pope in over 1,200 years, Francis ushered in a new era for the Church, marked by reform and a broadened global perspective.

Funeral arrangements have been set for Saturday, April 26th, with an outdoor service to be held in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. The public has been afforded the opportunity to pay their respects as the Pope lies in state.

The passing of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of condolences and a significant gathering of world leaders set to attend the funeral. The guest list reflects the Pope’s widespread influence, spanning political and cultural spheres.

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be in attendance, a confirmation made via Trump’s social media platform. Despite a sometimes strained relationship between the Papacy and the Trump administration – particularly regarding U.S. deportation policies – Vice President J.D. Vance met with the Pope just days before his death.

Prince William will represent King Charles III at the service, continuing a tradition established when Charles represented Queen Elizabeth II at Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005. This attendance underscores the Prince of Wales’s evolving role and future responsibilities. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also represent the United Kingdom, praising the Pope’s courageous and humble leadership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also be present, a poignant gesture given the Pope’s consistent prayers for peace in Ukraine. The two last met in October 2024 during Zelensky’s European diplomatic tour.

Representing Catholic-majority nations, Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin will attend. E.U. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s presence sets the stage for a potentially significant meeting with President Trump, amidst ongoing discussions regarding tariffs.

Javier Milei, the conservative President of Argentina – Pope Francis’s native country – will also travel to Rome, despite previously voicing criticism of the Pope’s views. Argentina has declared seven days of national mourning. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has cancelled a planned visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to attend the funeral, expressing deep personal respect for the Pope.

The breadth of attendees speaks volumes about Pope Francis’s impact on the world stage. He wasn’t merely a religious leader; he was a global figure who engaged with pressing issues like poverty, climate change, and international conflict. His legacy will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come, and his funeral will serve as a testament to the profound influence he wielded. It’s a moment for reflection on his teachings and a reminder of the values he championed – compassion, humility, and a commitment to serving those most in need.