Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to depart Manila on Thursday evening to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican. The announcement was made by Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed in a press briefing at Malaca±ang that "Mamayang gabi po ang pag-alis ng First Couple (The First Couple leaves tonight)." The First Couple will participate in the funeral service scheduled at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 4 p.m. in Manila.
In a separate statement, Malaca±ang emphasized that President Marcos and the First Lady will deliver the condolences and prayers of the Filipino populace. The nation fondly remembers Pope Francis' 2015 visit to the Philippines, admiring his compassion and dedication to serving the world with humility.
Following the funeral service, the remains of Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica before being entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The pontiff passed away at the age of 88, succumbing to a stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse on Monday.
In addition to President Marcos, approximately 170 dignitaries, including several world leaders, are expected to attend the late Pope's funeral. Notable attendees reportedly include United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German President Frank Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Argentinian President Javier Gerardo Milei, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Prince William will represent King Charles III at the funeral.
Pope Francis' 2015 visit to the Philippines, Asia's largest Catholic nation, is fondly remembered by many. In light of his passing, President Marcos has declared a period of national mourning across the Philippines, instructing that Philippine flags be flown at half-mast on all government buildings and installations until the pontiff's burial.
