Fri Apr 25 15:38:02 UTC 2025: ## World Leaders Gather in Rome for Historic, Yet Potentially Awkward, Papal Funeral

ROME – Hundreds of dignitaries, including dozens of heads of state, are converging on Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, creating a unique and potentially tense international gathering. The funeral, while simpler than traditional papal funerals per the late Pope’s wishes, is expected to be a historic event due to the sheer number of attendees and the complex relationships between them.

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at age 88, will be laid to rest in a simple wooden coffin in his preferred resting place, Santa Maria Maggiore church. Despite the understated burial, the ceremony, scheduled for Saturday at 10 am CET in St. Peter’s Square, will draw 170 foreign dignitaries, including representatives from countries with vastly different relationships with the late pontiff.

Among the attendees are President Biden representing the United States, Prince William representing the UK, and President Lula of Brazil, all of whom had positive interactions with Pope Francis. However, the presence of US President Donald Trump adds a layer of complexity. While Trump publicly praised the Pope as a “very good man,” their relationship was marked by disagreements over immigration policies and the building of the US-Mexico border wall.

Other potential points of friction include the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Trump, whose recent interactions have been marked by tension. Zelenskyy has requested a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the funeral. The presence of both President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who have clashed over trade tariffs, also raises the possibility of diplomatic awkwardness. Furthermore, the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both subject to international arrest warrants, is notable.

The funeral is reminiscent of Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005, which was also notable for its awkward encounters between world leaders with strained relationships. This year’s event presents a similar stage for potential diplomatic flare-ups, highlighting the complexities of global politics even within the context of a solemn religious ceremony. The seating arrangement, however, will at least ensure that President Zelenskyy and President Trump won’t be seated next to each other.

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