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The Pope's funeral will take place on April 26 in Rome. Many leaders are planning to attend to pay their last respects. Alongside France's Emmanuel Macron and the American Donald Trump, representatives from the continent will also be making the trip.

In Guinea and the Vatican, Robert Sarah, a prelate with a loud voice

The Guinean cardinal, an advisor to the late Pope Francis, has bluntly criticized the transition underway in his country and the attitude of the military. At nearly 80 years old, he is known for his outspokenness.

En RDC, Fridolin Ambongo, cardinal et « sentinelle »

The Archbishop of Kinshasa is one of the leading critics of the excesses of power. While it is rumored that he could one day become Pope, he is once again heavily involved in mediation efforts in eastern DRC.

The Vatican announces the arrival of 50 heads of state and ten sovereigns at the funeral

Some 50 heads of state and ten reigning monarchs have so far confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis's funeral, which will take place Saturday in St. Peter's Square in Rome, the Vatican announced.

"At this stage, 130 delegations are confirmed for the funeral of Pope Francis," the Holy See also stated. Attending the funeral will include US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, the King and Queen of Spain, and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter.

Pope Francis' funeral will have the feel of a diplomatic summit

Rome will be the center of the world on Saturday during Pope Francis's funeral, which will be attended by several dozen heads of state and government. Given the current geopolitical context, between trade tensions and stalled peace negotiations in Ukraine, the event is generating high expectations.

Donald Trump, who will be making his first foreign trip since returning to the White House, will be particularly sought-after. According to the Italian press, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is keen to meet with the American president. According to this source, Giorgia Meloni could act as a matchmaker, which would allow the Italian Prime Minister to strengthen her role as mediator between Europe and the United States.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to talk with Donald Trump. Ukraine has notably indicated that it will not cede Crimea to Russia, one of the central points of the peace plan proposed by Washington.

The Pope's funeral will bring together heads of state, crowned heads and the faithful

As with John Paul II in 2005, dozens of foreign leaders and royalty will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on the morning of Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers are expected.

Donald Trump has announced that he will attend, accompanied by his wife Melania, despite Pope Francis's harsh and repeated criticism of his anti-migrant policies.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, also plan to attend. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), does not plan to attend.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. In his tribute, Macron described the late pontiff as “a man of humility, on the side of the most vulnerable and most fragile” .

Macron's remarks reflect the global outpouring of grief and admiration for Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke and heart failure . Known for his advocacy for the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue, Pope Francis left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world.

In December 2024, Macron and Pope Francis held a private meeting in Corsica, where they discussed international issues and shared a moment of levity about the importance of maintaining a sense of humor .

Emmanuel Macron sends his condolences to Catholics around the world

French President Emmanuel Macron has extended heartfelt condolences to Catholics worldwide following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. In a message posted on social media, Macron praised the late pontiff for his unwavering commitment to the marginalized and his efforts to unite humanity with nature. He wrote :

"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him."

Macron's tribute reflects the profound impact Pope Francis had on the global Catholic community and beyond. The French president's message resonates with the sentiments of many world leaders who have expressed admiration for the pope's dedication to justice, compassion, and interfaith dialogue. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from leaders and citizens alike, honoring his legacy as a voice for the voiceless and a champion of peace and unity.

In December 2024, President Macron and Pope Francis held a private meeting in Corsica, where they discussed various global issues and shared a moment of levity about the importance of maintaining a sense of humor.

Macron's condolences are part of a broader international response, with leaders worldwide honoring Pope Francis's legacy of compassion, justice, and peace.