Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska are expected to attend the funeral of Pope Francis scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., and will be officiated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, alongside senior clergy members representing the global Catholic community.
Verily News reports that the 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday, following a stroke.
His death came just weeks after he had been discharged from the hospital, where he was treated for a severe case of double pneumonia.
According to AFP, in a brief to journalists on Tuesday, a senior advisor to President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytvyn, stated that the Ukrainian leader and his wife would be present at the solemn event to pay their respects.
“Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, set for Saturday,” he said.
President Zelensky had earlier paid tribute to the late Pope, describing him as a spiritual leader who consistently “prayed for peace in Ukraine.”
AFP
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