The list of celebrities and world leaders is currently short but expected to grow as more details emerge regarding the funeral for Pope Francis.
Why It Matters
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Latin American pontiff. His death on Monday, one day after he appeared in front of thousands at the Vatican for Easter services, has led to an outpouring of support from world leaders, celebrities and many of the world’s approximate 2 billion Catholics.
The funeral, which will take place in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, is part of a nine-day mourning period that includes Francis’ body lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for three days. Usually, the funeral ceremony is held within the first week of the mourning period.
What To Know
U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, said Monday they will attend Francis’ funeral following hours of speculation due to a somewhat tumultuous relationship between the president and Francis over the years.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “We look forward to being there!”
He added: “He’s a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that’s good with me.”
Earlier in the day, Trump said he wasn’t sure if he’d make the trek to Rome and made a mention of how flags were already lowered in Francis’ honor.
If Trump does travel to the Vatican, he would be the first sitting U.S. president to attend a papal funeral since President George W. Bush attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
Prince William
Multiple reports suggest that a senior member of the Royal Family will most likely attend the pontiff’s funeral, with Prince William being the royal representative. There’s been no official confirmation of his presence as of press time.
Then-Prince Charles traveled for the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” King Charles said Monday in a statement. “Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”
This list will be updated as more information becomes available.
What People Are Saying
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel: “There’s a death in the family. And people all over the world, especially the Catholic family, are in grief. We miss him already. And we see now, we hear people like you talk about him. We watch TV with all the clips of his different visits and his encounters with people, and it just brings back fond memories.”
Former President Joe Biden, on X, formerly Twitter: “It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased.”
What Happens Next
On Monday, the Vatican announced that Francis would be placed in his coffin later that evening before his body is moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday to allow worshippers to pay their respects. The two-hour funeral service is expected to take place outdoors, weather permitting, and to be conducted primarily in Latin.
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