The news of the d3ath of Pope Francis sent waves of sadness and depression through the Christian world.
The pontiff personally demanded burial in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore instead of the Vatican. Before his funeral, his body will locate in state for three days at St Peter’s Basilica where hundreds of thousands of believers and world leaders will pay their tributes.
Among the world leaders predicted to attend Pope Francis’ funeral are the presidents of most countries, President Macron of France to Argentina’s firebrand leader Javier Milei and Donald Trump and his wife.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer committed the attendance, but King Charles will not attend the pope’s funeral for a very special reason – he’s simply not approved to go.
Katie Nicholl, a royal expert, shared that “King Charles, the last head of state to have an audience with Pope Francis, will not travel to the Vatican, in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals.”
The king’s son, Prince William will instead attend the funeral on his father’s behalf, just like then-Prince Charles attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth III.
What is rather unexpected in this situation is that King Charles and Pope Francis met just days before the pope’s passing. In fact, the two have been best friends.
King Charles praised Pope Francis publicly.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” King Charles said and added: “His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
William attending the pope’s funeral will show his first time officially attending a major international funeral on behalf of King Charles.
