The Real Reason King Charles Isn’t Attending Pope Francis’ Funeral & Which Royal Is Taking His Place—Plus All the Other Dignitaries Set to Pay Their Respects

Less than 24 hours after the Vatican announced his death, many Royals, dignitaries, and celebrities have paid their respects to Pope Francis. Some of these high-profile people have also confirmed their attendance at his funeral.

Pope Francis died on the morning of April 21, 2025, on Easter Monday. He was 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

The funeral for Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) in St. Peter’s Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the funeral Mass. In the days leading up to the funeral, the Pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects.

After reports of his death, many celebrities paid tribute to the head of the Catholic Church. Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese said in a statement, “He was, in every way, a remarkable human being. He acknowledged his own failings. He radiated wisdom. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad commitment to the good. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a terrible plague on humanity. So he never stopped learning. And he never stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practiced forgiveness. Universal and constant forgiveness.” Leonardo DiCaprio, who had interviewed Francis for his documentary Before the Flood in 2016, said in an Instagram post: “Pope Francis was one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists around the world.”

Who’s attending Pope Francis’ funeral?

See all the confirmed dignitaries and Royals set to attend Pope Francis’ funeral.