
Numerous world leaders and members of royalty have gathered in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral.
Among the most prominent figures at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square on Saturday morning are Prince William, US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden, Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Their attendance comes at a fragile time for international diplomacy, with Trump meeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky before the service, according to Zelensky’s spokesman.
Here are some pictures of the VIP attendees.
Trump arrived with plenty of security, as you would expect, and was seen walking into St Peter’s Square alongside his wife Melania Trump.
Another man of the moment in attendance was Zelensky, who was sombre-faced at the Vatican.
Dignitaries are sat on the the right-hand side of the square – facing St Peter’s Basilica with the heads of state for Argentina and Italy taking the front seats.
This is followed by reigning sovereigns, and then other heads of states who are seated in alphabetical order by country, in French.
Representing British royalty, the Prince of Wales is at the service.
Starmer arrived in conversation with his wife Victoria.
Former US President Joe Biden was seen hand in hand with his wife Jill.
Many European leaders, as well as European royalty, are also in attendance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is at the proceedings, and has been seen chatting with Macron.
Other political figures and royals attending the Pope’s funeral include:
- Poland President Andrzej Duda
- Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, Pope Francis’s home country
- Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella
- Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader
- Belgium King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Croatia President Zoran Milanovic
- Ecuador President Daniel Noboa
- Ireland Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheál Martin
- Moldova President Maia Sandu
- Latvia President Edgars Rinkevics
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
- Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia
- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres
- Queen Mary of Denmark
- China Vice President Chen Chin-Jen
- Jordan King Abdullah II and Queen Rania
- Monaco Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
- Hungary President Tamas Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orban
- European Council President Antonio Costa
- President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola
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exeter.one newsbite last confirmed 8 hours ago by Ewan Somerville
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