Global Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis' Funeral
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Synopsis
The funeral of Pope Francis in Rome presents a unique diplomatic opportunity for global leaders, including US President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Meloni. With delegations from 170 countries attending, discussions on geopolitical issues, particularly regarding Ukraine and South Asia, are expected to take place.
Key Takeaways
- Funeral serves as a diplomatic platform for Rome
- Trump's presence opens doors for crucial discussions
- Delegations from 170 countries expected
- Meloni boosts Italy's global diplomatic role
- Key discussions on Ukraine and South Asia anticipated
Rome, April 25 (NationPress) The funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday offers a surprising chance for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to position Rome at the forefront of international diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance, as Rome collaborates with the Vatican to welcome delegations from 170 nations. President Droupadi Murmu will represent India at the State Funeral, extending condolences on behalf of the Indian government and its citizens. The Indian delegation will also include Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of Goa Assembly Joshua De Souza.
Trump's attendance in Rome for the funeral creates a unique opportunity for discussions with Prime Minister Meloni, which could take weeks or months to arrange otherwise. It is anticipated that Italy's President Sergio Mattarella will organize a meeting with President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Meloni's presence to strategize about Ukraine's future. The US President has also indicated plans for additional meetings with other global leaders during his time in Rome.
In the meantime, European Commission President Von der Leyen appears eager to arrange a bilateral meeting with Trump while in the eternal city.
Meloni's recent visit to Washington concluded with Trump accepting her invitation to Rome for an EU-US summit in late May. The Pope’s funeral gives Von der Leyen, who previously felt sidelined in decision-making, an opportunity to advocate for a bilateral meeting and assert her influence.
Meloni and Trump will jointly engage with world leaders and senior representatives attending the funeral, particularly those from the Middle East. In the past 24 hours, Meloni has spoken with the Sultan of Oman, following his return from Moscow, as well as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Both Trump and Meloni are strong allies of the Indian Prime Minister, and the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, along with escalating tensions in South Asia, will be pivotal discussion topics. Conversations with other delegations from the Indo-Mediterranean region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan, will also be significant for both leaders.
Iran is expected to send a senior delegation to the funeral, and the new Cardinal of Tehran-Isfahan, who has served as a liaison between the Vatican and Tehran, will participate in the forthcoming conclave. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be present, Russia will be represented by its culture minister. An estimated 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs will attend at St. Peter's, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentinian President Javier Milei, Philippines' Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and France's Emmanuel Macron. The United Kingdom will be represented by Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
China, which lacks diplomatic relations with the Holy See, has permitted Hong Kong's outspoken Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen to attend the funeral. In a break from tradition, Taiwan will send a high-level delegation instead of the President. The Holy See maintains one of the few diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Israel will send a limited delegation due to tensions surrounding the Pope's views on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Hamas terrorist attack. Although it is traditionally forbidden for Jews to attend funeral services on Saturday, which is their holy Sabbath, Chief Rabbi of Rome Riccardo di Segni and President of the Jewish Community in Rome Victor Fadlun will both attend the funeral, reflecting the goodwill Pope Francis fostered with diverse communities.
