By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
TOP DIGNATORIES from around the globe are set to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church and a final farewell to the first Latin American pope.
They include powerful presidents and royalties who are converging on Rome as millions prepare to honour the legacy of Pope Francis, who died aged 88, a day after his final Easter appearance in St Peter’s Square.
The funeral, scheduled for Saturday at the Vatican, is expected to draw one of the largest gatherings of international dignitaries in recent history.
The Argentine-born pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first Latin American pope and leaves behind a legacy of humility, reform, and compassion that resonated far beyond the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has confirmed the funeral will take place in front of St Peter’s Basilica, where preparations are underway to accommodate the extraordinary number of mourners and VIP attendees.
Among the confirmed guests are United States (US) President Donald Trump and First Lady, Melania Trump—marking the first time a sitting American president has attended a papal funeral since 2005.
Trump also paid tribute online, writing: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will also attend.
President Javier Milei of Argentina will represent the late pope’s homeland, praising Francis’s “goodness and wisdom” despite a historically delicate relationship.
From the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed attendance, while speculation surrounds Prince William’s possible role as royal representative. Buckingham Palace has yet to issue a formal confirmation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife are expected, though not officially confirmed.
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined to attend, the Kremlin citing no plans shortly after funeral details were released.
Top European Union figures will also be present, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa. Poland has declared a National Day of Mourning, with President Andrzej Duda and his wife confirmed to attend.
The German delegation will be led by President Steinmeier, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz expected, although incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz will not join.
Leaders from Austria, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Portugal, and Romania have also confirmed attendance, underscoring the late pope’s broad diplomatic influence and moral stature across borders.
Brazilian First Lady Janja Lula da Silva will accompany President Lula, while leaders from East Timor, including President Jose Ramos-Horta, will travel to Rome.
The Vatican said the ceremony will serve as both a farewell to a religious figure and a moment of global reflection on his impact.
It also said it anticipates an influx of pilgrims and dignitaries, with state leaders, royalty, and nearly 2 billion Catholics in mourning.
