--- description: Figures from all sides of the political spectrum were seated for the funeral service. title: Here Are the Key Figures That Attended Pope Francis' Funeral image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7604421dd93b59b8/6998c61793610c607fc2f95b/GettyImages-2212073982.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [World](/section/world/) ## World Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [vatican city](/tag/vatican-city/) ## vatican city Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # From Trump to Biden, Here Are the Key Figures Who Attended Pope Francis' Funeral by [Callum Sutherland](/author/callum-sutherland/) ## Callum Sutherland Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Reporter Updated: Apr 27, 2025 11:02 PM CUTPublished: Apr 23, 2025 7:24 PM CUT  President Trump, Melania Trump, Estonian President Alar Karis, King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, Ecuador' President Daniel Noboa, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Queen Mary Of Denmark attend the funeral of Pope Francis. President Trump, Melania Trump, Estonian President Alar Karis, King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, Ecuador' President Daniel Noboa, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Queen Mary Of Denmark attend the funeral of Pope Francis.Dan Kitwood—Getty Images by [Callum Sutherland](/author/callum-sutherland/) ## Callum Sutherland Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Reporter Updated: Apr 27, 2025 11:02 PM CUTPublished: Apr 23, 2025 7:24 PM CUT World leaders gathered on Saturday, April 26, in Vatican City to pay their respects at the funeral of Pope Francis. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church [died on Monday, April 21](https://time.com/5762436/pope-francis-dies-obituary/ "undefined"). He was 88\. His passing came after continued health issues, which saw him endure a five-week hospital stay, from which he was released on March 23. Thousands of people gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica to observe the ceremony. Figures from all sides of the political spectrum were seated for the funeral service, which saw both President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden in attendance.  First Lady of France Brigitte Macron, President of France Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Melania Trump and U.S. President Donald Trump, and King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain look on as the coffin leaves St. Peter's Square during the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City. Alessandra Benedetti—Getty Images Ahead of the ceremony, [Trump was pictured sharing a private meeting with Zelensky.](https://time.com/7280640/president-trump-zelensky-meeting-pope-francis-funeral-russia-conflict-talks/ "undefined") Their first in-person meeting since they clashed in the Oval Office in February. **Read More**: [_President Trump Pays His Respects at Pope Francis’ Funeral After ‘Private and Productive’ Meeting With Zelensky_](https://time.com/7280640/president-trump-zelensky-meeting-pope-francis-funeral-russia-conflict-talks/ "undefined") Here’s a look at some of the key world figures who attended Pope Francis’ funeral: ## **Donald and Melania Trump** Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, sat in the front row of the service, alongside other worldwide leaders. The President had previously confirmed via his social media platform, [Truth Social](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114377719179993844 "undefined"), that himself and Melania would be in attendance.  President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square in Vatican City on April 26, 2025. Isabella Bonotto—Getty Images Trump's Vice President, J.D. Vance, met with the Pope on Easter Sunday in Rome, a day before his passing. The brief meeting came amid prickly relations between the Papacy and the Trump Administration, which had [worsened ](https://time.com/7278977/pope-francis-death-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-grief-grievance/ "undefined")in recent months as Pope Francis openly criticized U.S. policy on deportation.  Pope Francis meets with Vice President J.D. Vance at Casa Santa Marta on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Vatican City. Vatican Media—Getty Images ## **Joe and Jill Biden** Former President Joe Biden sat alongside his wife, Jill, during the service, some rows behind Trump. The 46th U.S. President is a practicing Catholic and shared a [close relationship](https://time.com/7278977/pope-francis-death-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-grief-grievance/ "undefined") with the late Pope.  Former President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden sit with other attendees ahead of Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at the Vatican on April 26, 2025. Mandel Ngan—Getty Images Biden and Pope Francis [last met](https://it.usembassy.gov/readout-of-president-bidens-meeting-with-his-holiness-pope-francis/ "undefined") during the G7 Summit in June 2024\. During the final days of his presidency in January, [Biden awarded the Pope](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-01/us-president-biden-pope-francis-presidential-medal-of-freedom.html "undefined") the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. The announcement was made during a telephone call between the two, after Biden’s hopes to meet in-person were cancelled on account of the Los Angeles wildfires. Upon learning of the Pope's death, [Biden issued a statement](https://x.com/JoeBiden/status/1914284400960819605 "undefined") via social media, saying: "He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope—a light of faith, hope, and love."  Pope Francis meets with former President Joe Biden during the G7 Leaders Summit on June 14, 2024, in Fasano, Italy. Vatican Media—Getty Images **Read More:** [_Biden Shared Grief With Pope Francis. Trump Harbored Grievances Toward Him_](https://time.com/7278977/pope-francis-death-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-grief-grievance/ "undefined") ## **Prince William** King Charles III’s eldest son, Prince William represented his father, who is head of the Anglican church, at the funeral in Rome, just as Charles represented the late Queen Elizabeth II at the [funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.](https://time.com/archive/6671981/a-popes-farewell-pope-john-paul-ii/ "undefined") The Prince of Wales’ attendance in place of the King is a modern tradition, and a statement to further establish William’s role as future king.  Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives for Pope Francis' funeral ceremony on April 26, 2025. Tiziana Fabi—Getty Images ## **Keir Starmer** British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also represented the United Kingdom at the service, beside his wife Victoria. He was seated in front of the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The [Prime Minister had previously expressed condolences](https://x.com/Keir%5FStarmer/status/1914255457088164083 "undefined") for Pope Francis after his death, stating: “His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.” ## **Volodymyr Zelensky** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the service at St. Peter’s Basilica, sitting nearby Trump. Zelensky had [paid tribute](https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1914715325129433325 "undefined") to the late Pope on his official X account, saying: “We remember his prayers for peace in Ukraine. Our state will be represented in Rome at the farewell ceremony this coming Saturday.” Pope Francis and the Ukrainian President last met in [October 2024](https://www.president.gov.ua/en/photos/zustrich-volodimira-zelenskogo-z-papoyu-rimskim-franciskom-u-6609 "undefined"), during Zelensky’s European diplomatic tour. **Read More:** [_The Enduring Connection Between Pope Francis and a Parish in Gaza_](https://time.com/7279098/pope-francis-catholic-parish-in-gaza-enduring-connection-phone-calls/ "undefined") ## **Michael D. Higgins and Micheál Martin** Representations from Catholic-majority countries were in attendance, as Irish President Michael D. Higgins was present at the service on April 26, alongside Taoiseach \[Prime Minister\] Micheál Martin. On April 22, Higgins paid tribute to the late Pope by signing [a book of condolences](https://www.rte.ie/video/id/24656/ "undefined") for the Pontiff in Dublin, Ireland.  Irish President Michael D. Higgins is seen at the Pope's Funeral at the Vatican in Rome, Italy, on 26 April, 2025. Jaap Arriens—Getty Images ## **Ursula von der Leyen** Another key European figure, E.U. Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, was present for Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica. She later shared a picture of herself [greeting President Trump](https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1916090763940688076 "undefined"), saying: "Today, leaders from around the world gathered to pay their final tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis. I had good exchanges with several of them." ## **Javier Milei** Javier Milei, the conservative President of Pope Francis’ native Argentina, travelled to Rome for Saturday’s funeral service. Milei was an open critic of the Pope’s views, saying in a [statement](https://x.com/JMilei/status/1914254255512297895?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1914254255512297895%7Ctwgr%5E14f99ecdd65dfd56b251ac39b4828d1c200d9c80%7Ctwcon%5Es1%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2F2025%2F04%2F21%2Fg-s1-61624%2Fargentina-milei-critic-francis-condolences "undefined") marking the Pope's passing: “Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me.” Upon the news of the Pontiff’s passing, seven days of national mourning was announced in Argentina. **Read More:** [_The Climate Pope: Francis and His Environmental Legacy_](https://time.com/7278986/pope-francis-environment-climate-legacy/ "undefined") ## **Giorgia Meloni** Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni[ reportedly cancelled a visit](https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2025/04/22/pope-meloni-trip-to-uzbekistan-kazakhstan-postponed%5F2eea836c-bfb5-455d-8329-cea530cc7236.html "undefined") to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in order to attend Saturday’s funeral. Italian president Sergio Mattarella was also in attendance at the funeral.  Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ignazio La Russa arrive for Pope Francis' funeral ceremony on April 26, 2025. Massimo Valicchi—Getty Images In [a prior statement paying tribute](https://x.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1914239044885569647 "undefined") to Pope Francis, Meloni said: “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased not even during times of trial and suffering.”  Giorgia Meloni greets Pope Francis as he arrives at the G7 Leaders Summit on June 14, 2024, in Fasano, Italy. Vatican Media—Getty Images ## **King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia** Representing another Catholic-majority country, the head of the Spanish Crown—King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia—were in attendance for Pope Francis’ funeral, sitting beside Estonian President Alar Karis and nearby Trump. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia both signed a book of condolences for the Pope in Madrid earlier in the week. ## **Ferdinand Marcos Jr.** Sitting behind King Felipe and Queen Letizia was Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the head of state for Asia’s [largest](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-03/pontifical-yearbook-2025-priests-religious-statistics.html "undefined") Catholic population. Filipino cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, 67, is one of the top contenders to be appointed as the next Pope. If elected, he would be the first from Asia in centuries and, after Pope Francis, the second non-European Pontiff in more than 1200 years. ## **Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva** [](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Luiz-Inacio-Lula-da-Silva-time100-2023.jpg "undefined")A well known and longtime friend of Pope Francis, Brazilian President [Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva](https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269853/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva/ "undefined") attended St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday to represent the world’s largest Catholic population. During da Silva’s three terms as President, he met with the late Pope on a number of occasions. Offering his condolences after Pope Francis’ passing, the Brazilian official [said](https://x.com/LulaOficial/status/1914295275398520887 "undefined"): “Humanity has lost a voice of compassion and respect.” ## **António** **Guterres** U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres paid his respects to the late Pope after his passing, and attended the funeral in Rome. In a prior [statement](https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2025-04-21/secretary-generals-remarks-press-the-passing-of-his-holiness-pope-francis "undefined"), Guterres said: “He was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice… our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.” ## **Andrzej Duda** Polish President Andrzej Duda was present on the day, after he was confirmed to be attending the funeral service via an official update [shared on X](https://x.com/prezydentpl/status/1914621373089018042 "undefined"). In a [statement](https://x.com/AndrzejDuda/status/1914248122651254995 "undefined") made on the day of the Pope’s passing, Duda wrote: “He was a great apostle of Mercy, in which he saw an answer to the challenges of the modern world.” ## **Emmanuel Macron** French President Emmanuel Macron, joined by his wife Brigitte, sat across the aisle from Trump at the funeral.  French First Lady Brigitte Macron and French President Emmanuel Macron during the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025. Jakub Porzyckii—Getty Images Although Pope Francis was notably absent from the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris last December, his subsequent [visit](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-12/pope-francis-corsica-visit-baptistery-saint-jean.html "undefined") to the French island of Corsica proved to be his final trip abroad.  Pope Francis meets with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in Marseille, France, on Sept. 23, 2023. Vatican Media—Getty Images ## **Olaf Scholz** Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the funeral and was seated beside Prince William. Scholz was also joined by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Rome. ## **Peter Pellegrini** Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini was in attendance, having previously offered his condolences upon the Pope's passing. In a [statement](https://x.com/PellegriniP%5F/status/1914245082934354407 "undefined"), Pellegrini had said: “We have been left by a man who enchanted everyone with his humanity, humility and wisdom.” ## **Alexander Van der Bellen** The Austrian President was present at the Pope's funeral. In a prior [statement](https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/bundespraesident-zum-tod-von-papst-franziskus "undefined") commemorating Pope Francis, Van der Bellen said: “For me, the name Francis will always stand for closeness and humanity.”  Pope Francis meets with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, in November 2017. Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori Portfolio—Getty Images ## **King Philippe and Queen Mathilde** King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended the Pontiff’s funeral. Upon learning of Pope Francis’ death, they offered their condolences and [thanked](https://x.com/MonarchieBe/status/1914268058828366221 "undefined") him for his most recent visit to Belgium in September 2024. ## **Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan** The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, attended the funeral on behalf of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, [said the Abu Dhabi media office.](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/crown-prince-news/on-behalf-of-the-uae-president-crown-prince-of-abu-dhabi-attends-the-funeral-of-pope-francis-in-rome/ "undefined") Several other government leaders joined the Crown Prince at the funeral, though he was seated in the front row. “His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the late Pope as a symbol of human fraternity, cultural coexistence, and interfaith dialogue, underscoring that His Holiness’ humanitarian legacy will continue to inspire future generations in upholding the values of tolerance and mutual understanding,” read a statement from the media office. ## **Alar Karis** In the front row beside President Trump, Estonian President Karis could be seen. Karis posted photos of him honoring the Pope [at the service on social media](https://x.com/AlarKaris/status/1916080581386948633?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1916080581386948633%7Ctwgr%5Efbcdc5ec75843c9ad4ce0e381f72bc9696b3ce54%7Ctwcon%5Es1%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.err.ee%2F1609676372%2Festonian-president-seated-next-to-donald-and-melania-trump-at-pope-s-funeral "undefined"), including one photo of him shaking Trump’s hand. “His legacy and message will live on in hearts around the world,” Karis said of the Pope. ## **Daniel Noboa** Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa attended the funeral, sitting beside the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the King and Queen of Spain. Noboa had previously [paid tribute to the Pope](https://x.com/DanielNoboaOk/status/1914291348980613447 "undefined") via social media, writing: "From Ecuador, we join in prayer with the entire church and the millions of faithful who today mourn the passing of Pope Francis." ## **Queen Mary** Queen Mary of Denmark was present at the funeral, representing both herself and her husband, King Frederik, who has spent much of the week carrying out work engagements in Japan. ## **Droupadi Murmu** India’s President Droupadi Murmu sat beside Ukraine's President Zelensky during the ceremony.  Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska sit to the left of India's President Droupadi Murmu at Pope Francis' funeral. Isabella Bonotto—Getty Images After Pope Francis' passing, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posted a tribute on social media, though he was not at the service on April 26. "I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development," Modi said of the late Pope. "His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace." _—With reporting by Rebecca Schneid_ ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/7279745/pope-francis-funeral-who-will-attend/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/7279745/pope-francis-funeral-who-will-attend/"},"headline":"From Trump to Biden, Here Are the Key Figures Who Attended Pope Francis' Funeral","datePublished":"2025-04-23T19:24:46.000Z","dateModified":"2025-04-27T23:02:19.000Z","description":"Figures from all sides of the political spectrum were seated for the funeral service.","url":"https://time.com/7279745/pope-francis-funeral-who-will-attend/","keywords":["vatican city","News Desk"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7604421dd93b59b8/6998c61793610c607fc2f95b/GettyImages-2212073982.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Callum Sutherland","jobTitle":"Reporter","url":"https://time.com/author/callum-sutherland/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7604421dd93b59b8/6998c61793610c607fc2f95b/GettyImages-2212073982.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Funeral Takes Place For Pope Francis","caption":"Funeral Takes Place For Pope Francis","creditText":"Dan Kitwood—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/vatican-city/","name":"vatican city"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/7279745/pope-francis-funeral-who-will-attend/","name":"From Trump to Biden, Here Are the Key Figures Who Attended Pope Francis' Funeral"}}]}] ```