VATICAN CITY – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska will be among global dignitaries attending 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 on Tuesday that the funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Senior clergy members from around the world are also expected to participate in the solemn ceremony, honoring the life and legacy of the late pontiff.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke. His death came just weeks after being discharged from the hospital, where he was treated for a severe case of double pneumonia.
In a briefing to journalists, Dmytro Lytvyn, a senior advisor to President Zelensky, stated that the Ukrainian leader and his wife would attend the funeral to pay their respects. “Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, set for Saturday, Lytvyn said.
President Zelensky had earlier expressed his condolences, describing the pontiff as a spiritual leader who consistently “prayed for peace in Ukraine.
Tributes have continued to pour in from around the world, with religious leaders, political figures, and members of the global Catholic community mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whose legacy of compassion, humility, and advocacy for peace remains deeply cherished.
