By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Vatican City – Preparations are underway for the funeral of Pope Francis, set to take place this Saturday at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Dignitaries from around the globe are expected to attend, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Conspicuously absent will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has confirmed he will not attend due to restrictions stemming from an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Following the service, Pope Francis’s body will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope in more than a century not to be buried in the traditional resting place of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In a display of national reverence, Italy has declared five days of mourning to honor the late pontiff, who led the Catholic Church through a transformative and often turbulent era.
Credit: DW Africa
