France and Ukraine unite in tribute as Pope Francis is laid to rest
The presidents of France and Ukraine have confirmed their attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday.
What do you need to know?
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. This information was provided to AFP by a source in the presidential administration in Kyiv.
- French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that his presence at the funeral is a duty.
- The funeral of the Pope will take place on Saturday, 26th April.
"The office of the president is awaiting the date of the Pope's burial and preparing the president's visit to Rome to bid farewell to the pontiff," a source in the presidential administration in Kyiv confirmed. Even before the exact date of Pope Francis' funeral was announced, it was clear that Volodymyr Zelensky planned to participate in the Pope's funeral.
French President Emmanuel Macron made the same declaration. He stressed that it is his duty. The last meeting between Macron and the Pope took place in December 2024, when Francis visited Corsica.
"We will attend the pope's funeral as we should," Macron told reporters during a visit to the island of Réunion, a French overseas department.
In the official condolences from the Élysée Palace, published on Monday evening, it was emphasized that France had the exceptional honour of hosting Pope Francis three times. His commitment to interreligious dialogue and contributions to peace made him a voice of courageous brotherhood, recognized worldwide.
When will Pope Francis' funeral take place?
Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning in the Vatican at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was complications related to his long-term health issues. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, 26th April. The coffin with the Pope's body will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful will be able to pay their respects.
The death of Pope Francis sparked reactions around the world. Former US President Donald Trump announced that he would attend the funeral. Earlier, he ordered the flags to be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. The Pope was known for his messages regarding migrants and peace, which Trump highlighted in his statement.
After the funeral, a conclave will begin to elect a new pope. This process is conducted in strict secrecy, and the cardinal-electors will be enclosed in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis was the first pope from South America. His pontificate was full of challenges and reforms that forever changed the Church. His last public presence took place on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
