By Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the funeral of Pope Francis scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed this to reporters, saying plainly, “The president has no such plans.”
Peskov added that a final decision has yet to be made regarding Russia’s official representative at the ceremony. “I can’t tell you just yet; it has not been decided yet. We will update you once a decision is made,” he told journalists in Moscow.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, following a long struggle with pneumonia. He had recently been discharged from the hospital after a 40-day stay and was advised to rest, though he made brief public appearances leading up to Easter.
World leaders from across the globe, including presidents of the United States, France, and Brazil, are expected to attend the funeral. Representatives of various faiths and religious institutions will also be present for what is set to be a historic moment of unity.
The pope had earlier requested a simple funeral ceremony, expressing his wish to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place he frequently visited for prayer during his lifetime.
Pope Francis is remembered by many for his powerful messages of peace, humility, and reform, and his passing has drawn tributes from both political leaders and religious figures worldwide.
