Pope Francis’ funeral: Which world leaders will attend? Vatican prepares for huge crowds

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, and the globe has been mourning since. Tributes have poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and devotees alike, who all recalled the late pontiff’s legacy of humility and simplicity.

As top leaders from the globe will attend, along with scores of faithful, Vatican is bracing for huge crowds. Security measures, including patrols, drones, and even snipers are deployed around St Peter’s Square.

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the funeral, taking place in the huge Vatican square that sits in front of the Basilica of St. Peter, Rome’s public transport company said.
In a break from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major and not St. Peter’s Basilica.

Here are a list of the world leaders set to attend and pay their respects to the religious leader who worked to root out corruption, and advocated for the oneness of humanity:

US President and First Lady

Donald Trump was among the first to announce that he, along with Melania Trump, would be attending the Pope’s funeral in Rome. In a message on Truth Social, he said: “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”

Trump and Francis have not seen eye-to-eye, with the late Pope criticising cuts to aid programmes. The pontiff also called Trump’s plans to deport millions of migrants a “disgrace.”

Philippine President, First Lady

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Lousie Araneta-Marcos on Friday morning, departed to Vatican to attend the funeral, according to Philippine media.

On Monday, Marcos led the nation in mourning the Pope Francis’ death; he delivered a heartfelt tribute, just hours after the death was announced, to the pontiff, whom he described as “the best Pope” in his lifetime.

“By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another,” Marcos said, in a separate social media statement.
UK Prime Minister, Prince of Wales

While King Charles will not attend the funeral, Prince William will be there on his behalf, according to British media. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also be in attendance.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were among the last high-profile figures to hold a meeting with the Pope; it was held at the Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis died on Monday morning.

India’s President

Droupadi Murmu will visit the Vatican for two days on April 25 and 26, along with other dignitaries from India. Murmu will lay a wreath at the Basilica of St Peter, paying homage to the late pontiff.

On Thursday, India declared that state mourning will be observed on April 26.

Ambassador from Israel

While most nations will be sending presidents, first ladys and prime ministers, Israel will be represented at Francis’ funeral by only Yaron Sideman, who has been its ambassador to the Vatican since September.

The decision to keep the representation at about the lowest level possible is a sign of how far Israel’s relations with the Vatican have deteriorated since the start of the war in Gaza in 2023, diplomats said.

It also follows an Israeli government decision to delete a social media post that had offered condolences for the pope’s death.

Here are a list of other world leaders who will also be in attendance, including:

• Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser (interim leader) Muhammad Yunus
• European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Antonio Costa, Parliament President Roberta Metsola
• Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
• United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
• Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
• Argentina President Javier Milei.
• Belgium King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
• Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and first lady Janja Lula da Silva
• Croatia President Zoran Milanovic
• Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides
• Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala
• Estonia President Alar Karis
• Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader
• East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta
• Ecuador President Daniel Noboa
• Finland President Alexander Stubb
• France President Emmanuel Macron
• Germany President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz
• Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
• Honduras President Xiomara Castro
• Hungary President Tamas Sulyok
• Ireland Prime Minister Micheal Martin
• Latvia President Edgars Rinkevics
• Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda
• Moldova President Maia Sandu
• Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof
• New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
• Norway Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
• Poland President Andrzej Duda
• Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
• Romania Interim President Ilie Bolojan
• Spain King Felipe and Queen Letizia
• Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
• Switzerland President Karin Keller-Sutter