The upcoming funeral for Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on April 21, is anticipated to draw a significant crowd, with both devout individuals from around the globe and numerous world leaders expected to attend.
An estimated 130 delegations have confirmed their plans to journey to Rome for the funeral service at St. Peter’s Basilica. This includes around 50 heads of state and roughly 10 other prominent world figures.
US
President Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania Trump – who is a follower of the Roman Catholic faith – will be present at the funeral as a gesture of respect, despite occasional disagreements between the president and the late pope.
Neither Vice President JD Vance, who visited the pope on the eve of his death, nor his wife, Usha, are expected to be at the funeral.
Former President Joe Biden is expected to be in attendance, according to Italian media reports.
ARGENTINA
Javier Milei, president of Pope Francis’ native country of Argentina, confirmed he would make the journey to pay his respects to the man of whom he was often critical.
In a statement issued after the pope’s death, Milei said, “Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me.”
IRELAND
Ireland, a Catholic nation, will be represented by both President Michael Higgins and Prime Minister Martin for the pontiff’s funeral.
UKRAINE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he will attend Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, and in a tribute to the pontiff, he said, “We remember his prayers for peace in Ukraine. Our state will be represented in Rome at the farewell ceremony this coming Saturday.”
Zelenskyy last visited the pope in October 2024.
Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 11, 2024, in Vatican City, Vatican. (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
EUROPEAN UNION
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she will attend the pope’s funeral in what will mark the first event she and Trump have attended since he took office.
Many other world leaders are expected to attend, though notably leaders from adversarial nations like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as leaders of nations the pope was critical of over human rights concerns, like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will not be in attendance on Saturday.
