President Zelensky attends Pope's funeral.
Heads Roll into Vatican: A Glance at the Star-Studded Pope Francis Funeral
Amidst a whirlwind of pomp and ceremony, Rome recently witnessed an unprecedented gathering of global leaders at St. Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis. The revered Pontiff's final farewell brought together a veritable who's who of political heavyweights, royalty, and dignitaries from across the globe.
In what can be compared to an international rallying of the forces, over 160 official delegations marked their presence at the event. These delegations lined up to the right of the altar, offering a stunning tableau against the backdrop of the basilica's facade.
The Argentine Triumph
Foremost amongst these delegations was the Argentine contingent, led by President Javier Milei, honoring the Pope's native land. The Argentine leader, along with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, held a place of honor in the front row, reflecting the profound emotional connection between the Pope and his homeland.
Italy's Grandeur
The Italian delegation, under the leadership of President Sergio Mattarella, his daughter Laura, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was another powerful presence at the event. Accompanying them were the President of the Italian Senate, Ignazio La Russa, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, the President of the Constitutional Court, Giovanni Amato, and Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, amongst others.
Royal Connection
The event was further enriched by the attendance of several European monarchs. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Mary of Denmark, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, and King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden all graced the occasion with their presence.
R delivering a Key Message
Crowned heads from the United Arab Emirates, Lesotho, the Principality of Andorra, and the Principality of Liechtenstein also made their way to Rome for the solemn occasion. The Grand Duke of Luxembourg was another prominent attendee, while among the crown princes, Prince William for the United Kingdom and Princess Mette-Marit of Norway graced the event with their presence.
Powerful Politics
Representing Germany were Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The United States was present too, with former President Donald Trump and his wife Melania in attendance, alongside future leaders like Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán completed this political powerhouse lineup.
The presence of such high-profile figures underscored the global influence and reverence Pope Francis commanded during his Papacy. The funeral at St. Peter's Square not only served as a poignant send-off for a beloved leader but also as a testament to the universal impact of his message and the unity he managed to forge during his tenure.
- The Argentine delegation, led by President Javier Milei, paid tribute to Pope Francis' native land during the funeral, securing a position in the front row.
- Alongside the Italian President Sergio Mattarella, his daughter Laura, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Italian delegation showcased a strong presence at the event.
- Besides European monarchs such as King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Mary of Denmark, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, other royal figures from the United Arab Emirates, Lesotho, the Principality of Andorra, and the Principality of Liechtenstein joined the funeral.
- German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz represented Germany at the funeral, while the United States was present with former President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, also attended by future leaders like Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- In the midst of global leaders gathered for the funeral, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán completed the political powerhouse lineup, highlighting Pope Francis' global influence and respect.
