Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 after suffering a stroke on Easter Monday, will be honored in a funeral attended by numerous world leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among those confirmed to attend. Trump's tribute expressed condolences, while Zelenskyy noted the Pope's unwavering support for peace in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The European Union will also be represented at the funeral. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend due to an ICC arrest warrant, though a representative from Russia is expected to be designated.
Trump was one of the first heads of state to confirm his attendance, saying that he would travel to Rome with his wife Melania. He paid tribute to the pontiff on social media with the message: "Rest in peace, Pope Francis! God bless him and all who loved him!".
Zelenskyy on Tuesday said that he would attend the funeral, and highlighting Pope Francis' commitment to peace in Ukraine and his support for Ukrainians following Russia's full-scale invasion.
The European Union will be represented by the presidents of its three main institutions: Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Roberta Metsola. Von der Leyen recalled Pope Francis as a guide towards "a more just, peaceful and compassionate world".
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the subject of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the war in Ukraine, will not attend the funeral, the Kremlin has said.
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