Pallbearers, next to Swiss Guards, carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis (R) as it is transported from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter’s Basilica, following the Pope’s death, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli / Lehtikuva / AFP
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, set to take place on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican.
The funeral follows the Pope’s death on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed he died from a stroke. His casket was transferred on Wednesday from the chapel of Santa Marta to lie in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica for three days.
The late pontiff will be buried in the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, according to his wishes.
President Stubb described the Pope as a figure remembered for “his work with the poor and for defending the socially disadvantaged,” in a statement shared on X.
A large turnout of international dignitaries is expected at the funeral. The US will be represented by President Donald Trump, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William are also scheduled to attend.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope from 2013 until his death. He was the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the position.
The Vatican anticipates hundreds of thousands of mourners, including both political leaders and pilgrims, to gather in Rome for the funeral mass.
The Finnish president’s office confirmed his attendance shortly after the funeral arrangements were made public.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
