Pope Francis funeral date set as Catholics mourn
Pope Francis’ procession will be held on Wednesday, and his funeral service will take place Saturday April 26.
President Donald Trump will be among the world leaders attending the funeral of Pope Francis set for Saturday Saturday, April 26 in Rome.
The head of the Catholic church died Monday at 88 years old following a life-threatening battle with respiratory ailments. His memorial service is set for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) and his body will be buried at Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major in a simple wooden casket, per his request.
Trump and First Lady Melanie Trump both confirmed their attendance on April 21, with the president writing on Truth Social: “We look forward to being there!”
Javier Milei, the president of Francis’ home country of Argentina, will also be in attendance. Other heads of states reported to be on the guest lists include Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, France President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Royals are also slated to make an appearance, including Wales’ Prince William, and Spain’ King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Here’s which world leaders are expected to be among the 250,000 people at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Prince William of Wales
Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
French President Emmanuel Macron
Argentina President Javier Milei
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Polish President Andrzej Duda
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
When is Pope Francis’ funeral?
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
Prior to the service, the pope’s body will be taken at 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, April 23, into the adjacent St. Peter’s Basilica in a procession led by cardinals.
Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY