One of essentially the most reform-driven leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died on Monday, April 21. He was  88.

His passing got here after continued well being points, which noticed him endure a five-week hospital keep, from which he was launched on March 23. 

In a statement asserting his loss of life, the Vatican stated: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I need to announce the loss of life of our Holy Father Francis. His total life was devoted to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to stay the values of the Gospel with constancy, braveness, and common love, particularly in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Not solely was the late Pope new in his method to main the Catholic Church, he was the primary non-European to carry the place in additional than 1,200 years and the primary Latin American Pope.

The Vatican has since introduced preparations for the Pope’s funeral, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 26. The service will probably be held outside in entrance of St Peter’s Basilica. The general public has had the possibility to pay their respects to the Pope after his physique was moved to the basilica to lie in state.

Learn Extra: Pope Francis, the ‘World’s Parish Priest’ Who Led in an Era of Crisis, Dies at 88

As such an essential and influential determine to many, Pope Francis’ passing gained condolences and prayers from leaders worldwide. Figures from all sides of the political spectrum are set to attend his funeral, from U.S. President Donald Trump to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Cultural figureheads will probably be current on the service in Rome, too.

Because it at the moment stands, right here’s who is ready to attend the funeral:

Donald and Melania Trump

The President confirmed through his social media platform, Truth Social, that himself and the First Woman, Melania Trump, are set to be in attendance. He stated they each “look ahead to being there.”

Vice President J.D. Vance met with the Pope on Easter Sunday in Rome, a day earlier than his passing. The transient assembly got here amid prickly relations between the Papacy and the Trump Administration, which had worsened in current months as Pope Francis brazenly criticized U.S. coverage on deportation. 

Prince William

King Charles III’s eldest son, Prince William, is confirmed to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, in response to a press release from Kensington Palace. William will probably be representing his father, simply as Charles represented the late Queen Elizabeth II on the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

The Prince of Wales’ attendance rather than the King is a contemporary custom, and a press release to additional set up William’s function as future king. 

Keir Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will even be representing the UK on the service, as confirmed by a spokesperson on April 22 throughout a Downing Avenue press briefing.

The Prime Minister expressed condolences for Pope Francis after his loss of life, stating: “His management in a fancy and difficult time for the world and the church was typically brave, but at all times got here from a spot of deep humility.” 

Volodymyr Zelensky 

The Ukrainian President is confirmed to be in attendance for the service at St Peter’s Basilica, in response to his communications advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn. 

Zelensky paid tribute to the late Pope on his official X account, saying: “We keep in mind his prayers for peace in Ukraine. Our state will probably be represented in Rome on the farewell ceremony this coming Saturday.”

Pope Francis and the Ukrainian President final met in October 2024, throughout Zelensky’s European diplomatic tour.

Learn Extra: The Enduring Connection Between Pope Francis and a Parish in Gaza

Micheál Martin

Illustration from Catholic-majority nations will probably be in attendance, as Irish President Michael D. Higgins will be present on the service on April 26, alongside Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Micheál Martin.

On April 22, Higgins paid tribute to the late Pope by signing a book of condolences for the Pontiff in Dublin, Eire.

Ursula von der Leyen

One other key European determine, E.U. Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, has confirmed that she will probably be current for Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Von der Leyen’s attendance units the stage for a possible key assembly between herself and Trump. While the President has paused further tariffs on the E.U., this might nonetheless be a major assembly between the 2.

Javier Milei

Javier Milei, the conservative President of Pope Francis’ native Argentina, will even be travelling to Rome for Saturday’s funeral service, as confirmed through a authorities assertion.