Numerous global leaders have confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral this Saturday, with dignitaries from across the Americas, Europe and beyond preparing to honor the late pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica.
From the Americas, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be present, with Trump paying tribute to Francis on social media. Argentina’s President Javier Milei will represent the pope’s homeland, praising his wisdom and spiritual leadership.
European representatives include EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, along with Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who remembered Francis as an “ethical beacon.” French President Emmanuel Macron adjusted his schedule to attend, while Germany will send President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska will join the mourners, acknowledging Francis’s peace efforts. However, Russia’s Vladimir Putin will not attend amid his ongoing ICC warrant. Other confirmed attendees include Belgium’s royal couple, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, who declared national mourning, and Portugal’s top leaders.
The funeral is expected to draw massive crowds to Vatican City as the world bids farewell to the first Latin American pope, whose progressive vision reshaped the Catholic Church.
