The Office of the President of Ukraine is preparing for Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Rome to participate in the farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, according to several Western and Ukrainian media outlets citing a source familiar with the president’s plans.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“The president’s office is awaiting the date of the pope’s funeral and is preparing the president’s visit to Rome for the farewell to the pontiff”
History and Death of Pope Francis
On April 21, the Vatican announced the death of 88-year-old Pope Francis, who died following a stroke. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend the funeral, the date of which has yet to be determined; this trip will mark Trump’s first foreign visit during his second term.
Francis was hospitalized on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, which caused the most serious deterioration in his condition in 12 years of papacy. On March 23, he made his first public appearance after more than five weeks of absence due to illness.
The Last Days of the Pontiff
Due to his recovery from illness, he did not lead the pre-Easter rituals and service on April 20, but he appeared before thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square and greeted them for Easter. On the same day, the pope met with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina was elected pontiff in March 2013.