As the Vatican makes preparations for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, which will be held by Pope Francis on 5 January, Thursday in St. Peter’s Square, the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told that “following the wishes of the Pope Emeritus, the funeral will be held under the sign of simplicity” and stressed that it will be a “solemn but sober funeral. ”
In addition to the two official delegations scheduled for the ceremony -one from Italy and one from Germany- representatives from other countries will attend.
So far, the participation of the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, has been confirmed; the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Governor of Bavaria, Markus Söder; from Spain, Queen Sofía and Minister Féliz Bolaños; the kings of Belgium Felipe and Mathilde; the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda; the President of Portugal, Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa and the President of Hungary, Katalin Novak.
In addition, according to the local press, a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Antonji, will attend, representing Patriarch Kirill.