Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday has turned into a major diplomatic event.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is using the moment to boost Rome’s global influence.
Delegations from 170 countries are arriving for the funeral.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed his presence. His visit gives Meloni a rare chance to hold talks that usually take months to arrange.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu will also attend. She will lead a delegation that includes Kiren Rijiju, George Kurian, and Goa’s Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella may host a meeting with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meloni is expected to join. They may discuss Ukraine’s future strategy.
Trump also plans to meet other world leaders in Rome.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing for a one-on-one with Trump. She felt sidelined during recent EU-US talks. She now hopes to regain influence.
Trump and Meloni will meet key leaders from the Middle East. In the last 24 hours, Meloni spoke with Oman’s Sultan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They discussed the Pahalgam terror attack.
Both Meloni and Trump back Modi. South Asia’s growing unrest will likely be a top topic.
Iran will send a senior delegation. A new Cardinal from Tehran-Isfahan will take part in the conclave.
Russia will send its culture minister. China, though not tied to the Vatican, will allow Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong to attend.
Fifty heads of state and 10 monarchs will join the funeral. Brazil’s President Lula, Argentina’s Javier Milei, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and the UK’s Prince William and PM Keir Starmer will attend.
Taiwan will send a top-level team, not the President.
Israel will send a small group. Despite Sabbath rules, Rome’s Chief Rabbi and the city’s Jewish Community President will attend.
Their presence honours Pope Francis’ close ties with all faiths.
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