Pope Francis’s funeral service: 1st row is for Argentines, 2nd row for Italians, 3rd row is complicated

Cerimonial ushers close the casket containing the body of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Friday, April 25, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP) (Uncredited, Vatican Media)

VATICAN CITY – While Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presides over Pope Francis’s funeral service at St. Peter’s Square, some of the most prominent world leaders will be in attendance.

According to the Vatican, the first row is for Argentines, including President Javier Milei, and the second row is for Italians, including President Sergio Mattarella.

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In tradition, reigning sovereigns including Spain’s King Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia and Prince William will follow.

The heads of state will be seated in alphabetical order. The list includes Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, former President Joe Biden are set to be in the third row, according to the Vatican.

Here is a list of more guests:

  • Poland President Andrzej Duda
  • EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
  • Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader
  • Belgium King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
  • Croatia President Zoran Milanovic
  • Ecuador President Daniel Noboa
  • Ireland Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheál Martin
  • Moldova President Maia Sandu
  • Norway Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
  • Latvia President Edgars Rinkevics
  • New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
  • Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia
  • UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

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