Pope Francis’ funeral: Full list of who’s attending

The Vatican said at least 130 foreign delegations had confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. See the list of VIPs.

The Vatican said at least 130 foreign delegations had confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.

Here is a list of VIP guests whose offices have confirmed they will be in Rome on Saturday.

Africa

CAPE VERDE: President Jose Maria Neves.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.

Americas

ARGENTINA: President Javier Milei.

BRAZIL: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife Janja.

ECUADOR: President Daniel Noboa.

HONDURAS: President Xiomara Castro.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: President Luis Abinader.

MEXICO: Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez.

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

UNITED STATES: President Donald Trump and his wife Melania.

Asia

BANGLADESH: Chief Adviser (interim leader) Muhammad Yunus.

EAST TIMOR: President Jose Ramos-Horta.

HONG KONG: Cardinal Joseph Zen

PHILIPPINES: President Ferdinand Marcos and first lady Liza Marcos.

TAIWAN: former vice president Chen Chien-jen.

Europe

AUSTRIA: Chancellor Christian Stocker.

BELGIUM: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, with Prime Minister Bart De Wever. BULGARIA: Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov.

CROATIA: President Zoran Milanovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

CYPRUS: President Nikos Christodoulides.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

ESTONIA: President Alar Karis.

EUROPEAN UNION: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

FINLAND: President Alexander Stubb.

FRANCE: President Emmanuel Macron.

GERMANY: President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz will not attend.

GREECE: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

HUNGARY: President Tamas Sulyok.

IRELAND: President Michael Higgins and his wife Sabina, plus Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheal Martin.

KOSOVO: President Vjosa Osmani.

LATVIA: President Edgars Rinkevics.

LITHUANIA: President Gitanas Nauseda.

LUXEMBOURG: Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

MOLDOVA: President Maia Sandu.

MONACO: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

THE NETHERLANDS: Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. NORTH MACEDONIA: President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

NORWAY: Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

POLAND: President Andrzej Duda and his wife.

PORTUGAL: President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. ROMANIA: Interim President Ilie Bolojan.

RUSSIA: Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova.

SLOVAKIA: President Peter Pellegrini.

SLOVENIA: President Natasa Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Robert Golob.

SPAIN: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

SWEDEN: King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife Queen Silvia, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

SWITZERLAND: President Karin Keller-Sutter.

UKRAINE: President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska.

UNITED KINGDOM: Prince William representing head of state King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Middle East

ISRAEL: Yaron Sideman, Ambassador to the Holy See.

Oceania

AUSTRALIA: Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Keith Pitt, Trade Minister Don Farrell and former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack.

FIJI: Acting prime minister, Viliame Gavoka, Archbishop Chong.

NEW ZEALAND: Prime minister Christoper Luxon

RUSSIA’S SURPRISE CHOICE OF FUNERAL DELEGATE

Russia has announced it will not be sending its head of state Vladimir Putin to Pope Francis funeral, set to take place this Saturday (AEST time) and will instead be represented by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova.

It has been reported that the Russian President will not be attending on the basis of his outstanding International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

When asked by journalists if Putin would attend, the reply from his spokesman Dmitry Peskov was “no. The president has no such plans.”

Mr Putin is subject to the ICC warrant for the alleged forced deportation of children during Russia’s offensive on Ukraine.

PRINCE WILLIAM TO ATTEND ON BEHALF OF KING CHARLES

Prince William will represent Britain’s royal family at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

The heir to the throne will attend the service “on behalf” of King Charles III, the palace said, in a decision in keeping with modern tradition.

The King is actually by convention not allowed to attend funerals.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl wrote in Vanity Fair that King Charles “will not travel to the Vatican, in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.”

Pope Francis speaking at Countdown Global Launch 2020 with a call to save the planet, a project he worked on with Prince William. Picture: TED / AFP

King Charles, 76, began treatment in February 2024 for an unnamed cancer and was recently briefly admitted to hospital after experiencing side effects.

When he was Prince of Wales, the monarch represented his late mother Queen Elizabeth II at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

British media said Prince William’s attendance at the funeral will be seen as a major milestone in his role as a global statesman and future king.

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla met Pope Francis for 20 minutes during the royal couple’s state visit to Italy earlier this month. 

 King Charles, who only met with the Pope 12 days before his death, issued a lengthy statement.

“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. 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,” the King’s statement reads.

King Charles and Camilla met Pope Francis earlier this month. Picture: Instagram

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.

“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.

“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. We end our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”

TRUMP, STARMER, ZELENSKY TO ATTEND FUNERAL

Other global leaders such as Donald Trump, Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky will attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday as tributes continue to pour in for the late 88-year-old pontiff.

US President Donald Trump said he and First Lady Melania Trump will be there in what will be his first international trip of his second presidential term.

Mr Trump shared his condolences over the Pope’s death in a post on Truth Social.

“Rest in Peace Pope Francis!,” he wrote.

“May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

Pope Francis met with President Donald Trump during his first term. Picture: AP

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former US President Barack Obama, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky along with his wife Olena Zelenska, French President Emmanuel Macron and Argentinian President Javier Milei confirmed their attendance.

Argentina will honour the Pope who was a native of the country.

President Milei will decree seven days of national mourning according to his spokesman Manuel Adorni.

“The President of the Nation will decree seven days of mourning for the death of the Holy Father,” Mr Adorni wrote on X.

Mr Milei paid tribute to Pope Francis’s “wisdom” despite their “differences.”

Argentine President Javier Milei has confirmed his attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis. Picture: Vatican Media via AP, File

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said “humanity loses a voice of respect and acceptance of others” at the Pope’s passing.

“(He) always stood by those who need it most: the poor, refugees, the young, the elderly, and the victims of wars and all forms of prejudice,” Mr Lula da Silva said.

OBAMA, BIDEN PAY TRIBUTE

Former US president Barack Obama has spoken of Pope Francis as a “rare leader.”

“Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people,” Mr Obama wrote on Instagram.

Former US President Barack Obama was touched by the Pope’s leadership. Picture: AP

“In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.

“Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to ‘never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope’.”

Joe Biden and wife Jill also paid tribute.

“He was unlike any who came before him,” Mr Biden wrote on X.

“Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him.”

US President Joe Biden said the pontiff was a champion of peace. Picture: AFP

Mr Biden said the Pope had urged the world to strive for peace and advocated for the environment.

“He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe,” Mr Biden said.

“And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love.”

US Vice President JD Vance, who had recently met with the Pope in Rome, wrote on X.

“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he wrote.

“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of Covid. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”

Pope Francis received US Vice President JD Vance less than a day before he died. Picture: AP

The White House posted a tribute on X as well, with a picture of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania and the Pope. “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis,” the message said.

CHINA SENDS CONDOLENCES

China’s foreign ministry expressed condolences.

“In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contact and carried out friendly exchanges,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

“China is willing to make joint efforts with the Vatican to promote the continued improvement of China-Vatican relations.”

EU LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a heartfelt message on Facebook.

“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house,” she wrote. “A news that pains us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor leaves us. I have had the privilege to enjoy his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never diminished even in times of trial and suffering.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is a devout Catholic. Picture: Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world.”

French President Emmanuel Macron had a lot of respect for the late pontiff. Picture: AP

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will join world leaders attending Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican on Saturday, the royal palace told AFP.

Addressing a reception in Madrid on Tuesday, Felipe said the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff transcended the Catholic Church to become “an enormous ethical beacon of our world, of our time”.

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia greet Apostolic Nuncio Bernardito Cleopas (L) as they arrive to sign the book of condolence for the death of Pope Francis at The Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid. Picture: AFP

The government is yet to confirm if Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will also travel for the funeral.

EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, said they will be present.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also posted a tribute to the Pope on X.

“Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.

“He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!”

The Pope was a champion for the people of Ukraine and a confidante of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Picture: AFP

Mr Zelensky said he wanted to meet US President Donald Trump at Pope Francis’s funeral in the Vatican.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his condolences.

“Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive co-operation between Russia and the Holy See,” Mr Putin said in a message to Cardinal Farrell.

Despite the Pope’s criticism of the war, Vladimir Putin also paid him tribute. Picture: AP

“In this sad hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support.”

Other leaders to voice their sorrow included Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“(Pope Francis was) a shepherd of deep moral clarity, spiritual courage, and boundless compassion” who “redefined the moral responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century,” Mr Carney said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on X that she had the “great honour and privilege” of meeting the Pope who she labelled a “humanist who stood for the poor, peace, and equality.”

FULL LIST OF DIGINITARIES ATTENDING POPE’S FUNERAL

Originally published as Pope Francis’ funeral: Full list of who’s attending