Russian President Vladimir Putin does not plan to attend Pope Francis' funeral, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, quoted by TASS, BTA reported.
“No, the president has no such plans“, the spokesman said in response to a journalist's question. According to him, no decision has been made yet who from the Russian Federation will attend the mourning ceremonies. “I cannot tell you yet, no decision has been made yet. When that happens, we will inform you“, Peskov added.
The funeral of the Holy Father will take place on Saturday, April 26. A number of world leaders are expected to attend the ceremony. The presidents of Brazil, the United States and France have already announced their decision to attend. Representatives of various churches and denominations will also gather.
The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local time (11:00 a.m. Bulgarian time), the Vatican announced, quoted by ANSA, writes BTA. The funeral of the pope will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, ANSA reported.
The body of the late pope will be taken out for worship tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. local time (10:00 a.m. Bulgarian time) in the Basilica “St. Peter“, the Vatican said in a statement. The pope's body is currently lying in a coffin in the chapel of his chambers at the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year pontificate.
Cardinals gathered at the Vatican today to plan the funeral of Pope Francis, which will be attended by leaders from around the world, ahead of next month's conclave to elect a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.