Quote from Alex bobby on April 26, 2025, 7:12 AM

Russia and Israel to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral — But China Likely to Stay Absent

As preparations for Pope Francis' funeral reach their final stages, the event is shaping up to be a powerful moment of international symbolism. While 170 delegations prepare to pay their respects, the presence — and absence — of certain countries speaks volumes about current global tensions. Among the notable attendees, Russia and Israel will send representatives, but China’s participation remains unlikely.

Russia, grappling with diplomatic isolation following its invasion of Ukraine, will be represented not by President Vladimir Putin, but by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova. Putin’s absence is closely tied to the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him in March 2023 for alleged war crimes. Although it's unclear whether Italy would have acted on the warrant, reports suggest that the Italian Ministry of Justice has not yet transmitted the necessary documents to validate an arrest. Nevertheless, the risk was deemed too high for Putin to attend in person.

Despite his absence, Putin offered a glowing tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a "defender of humanism." Yet the symbolic impact of Russia’s diminished presence reflects the broader diplomatic fallout from the Ukraine war.

Israel will similarly be represented at a lower level. Ambassador Yaron Sideman will attend the funeral on behalf of the Israeli government, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays away. Tensions between Israel and the Vatican have escalated during Francis’ papacy, particularly over the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The pope’s outspoken criticism of civilian casualties and calls for peace have drawn sharp rebukes from Netanyahu's government.

Diplomatic observers noted that while Israeli President Isaac Herzog promptly offered condolences, Netanyahu’s administration waited three days to issue a statement — a gesture widely seen as a diplomatic slight. The strained relationship makes Israel’s subdued representation unsurprising.

Meanwhile, China remains a glaring question mark. When asked whether Beijing would send a representative, the Chinese Foreign Ministry simply replied, "No information to share at the moment." Although China eventually issued a brief message of condolence, it came almost 24 hours after Pope Francis' death, only after persistent questioning from journalists.

Nevertheless, a prayer in Chinese will be included during the funeral, a nod to Pope Francis’ longtime efforts to foster dialogue with Beijing. His attempt to bridge the divide with China is seen as one of the most ambitious political undertakings of his pontificate. Yet despite some progress, including a controversial deal on bishop appointments, formal diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Beijing have remained elusive since their break in 1951. Complicating matters, the Holy See remains the only European state to recognise Taiwan officially.

In a telling sign of the Vatican’s careful diplomatic balancing act, Taiwan has decided to downgrade its own funeral delegation after behind-the-scenes talks. Instead of President Lai Ching-te, a former vice president will represent the island nation, minimising friction with Beijing during this delicate moment.

Further highlighting the complicated geopolitical landscape, Hong Kong’s retired Cardinal Joseph Zen — a fierce advocate for democracy and a vocal critic of China’s human rights abuses — has been granted special permission to travel to Rome. Zen’s attendance, under court-approved travel from Hong Kong, underscores the fraught nature of the Vatican’s dealings with China.

The Vatican has carefully orchestrated the seating arrangements to avoid sparking diplomatic crises during the ceremony. In accordance with Pope Francis’ wishes, the funeral will be simple and sober. Delegations will be seated largely according to French alphabetical order, rather than importance, a strategy designed to prevent sensitive countries — such as the United States and Ukraine — from sitting uncomfortably close to one another.

For instance, under French alphabetical order, former U.S. President Donald Trump (representing "États-Unis") will likely be seated between representatives from Eswatini and Ethiopia, minimising awkward interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders have had a strained relationship, particularly after a disastrous meeting earlier this year.

EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Roberta Metsola, are also considering bilateral talks on the sidelines of the funeral, reflecting the event’s broader diplomatic importance beyond the ceremonial farewell.

Special seating exceptions have been made for Italy and Argentina, the latter being Pope Francis’ homeland. Argentine President Javier Milei, despite a history of tension with the late pontiff, is expected to attend and pay his respects. Italy, hosting the event, will field the largest delegation, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Royal families from Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Monaco will be present, along with Crown Prince William of Wales and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, the Dutch royal family will miss the ceremony due to a conflict with King's Day celebrations.

Ultimately, while many world leaders will converge on Rome, the conspicuous absences of Putin, Netanyahu, and a Chinese envoy speak louder than words. In a world still grappling with deep divisions, the funeral of Pope Francis offers a fleeting moment of unity — yet also lays bare the persistent fractures defining today’s geopolitical landscape.

Conclusion 

The funeral of Pope Francis, though meant to be a solemn and unifying event, has inevitably become a reflection of today's deeply fractured global landscape. The presence of Russia and Israel, albeit through lower-level representatives, alongside China's notable absence, highlights the complex diplomatic balancing act the Vatican continues to face. As world leaders navigate shifting alliances, ongoing conflicts, and rising tensions, the late pontiff’s final farewell serves not only as a moment of mourning but also as a powerful stage for subtle political messages. In this carefully orchestrated ceremony, even the seating arrangements and levels of representation speak volumes about the current state of international relations.