Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26 in St Peter’s Square, among them world leaders, Catholic officials and mourners from around the globe.
Many heads of state and royals have confirmed their attendance,including President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Political figures will be out in full force at the ceremony, the most prominent gathering of world leaders since US President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Pope Francis’s vocal opinions on global issues occasionally put him at odds with leaders – some of whom will be at the funeral.
When a Pope passes away, the funeral becomes a major global event, drawing a wide range of dignitaries. Here’s who typically attends, and how this might apply to a hypothetical Pope Francis funeral:
Key Attendees:
- Heads of State and Government:
- Given Pope Francis’s global influence, particularly on issues like climate change and social justice, it’s expected that numerous presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs from around the world would attend.
- Leaders from nations with significant Catholic populations in Europe and Latin America would be highly likely to participate.
- It is reasonable to expect that leaders from major world powers, like the president of the United States, would also attend.
- Religious Leaders:
- In line with Pope Francis’s emphasis on interfaith dialogue, representatives from various Christian denominations (Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant) and other faiths (Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc.) would be present.
- Royal Families:
- European royal families, many with historical ties to the Vatican, would likely send representatives.
- Diplomatic Corps:
- Ambassadors and other diplomats accredited to the Holy See would be in attendance.
- Catholic Church Officials:
- Cardinals from around the globe would convene, both to attend the funeral and to prepare for the subsequent conclave to elect the next Pope.
- Archbishops, bishops, and other clergy from across the Catholic Church would also attend.
- General Public:
- Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and members of the public would travel to Vatican City to pay their respects.
Factors Influencing Attendance:
- Pope Francis’s Global Influence: His focus on social justice and environmental issues would likely attract a broader range of international leaders.
- Geopolitical Climate: Current international relations could influence which leaders choose to attend.
- The Pope’s Personal Relationships: Any close relationships Pope Francis had with specific world leaders could also impact attendance.
In essence, the funeral would be a massive, globally significant event, drawing a unique and diverse assembly of political, religious, and public figures.