As the Vatican prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, at least five African heads of state are confirmed to attend the pontiff’s funeral in Rome on Saturday.
According to the Vatican, more than 130 foreign delegations will be present, including around 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. While international leaders will be in attendance, priority will be given to delegations from Argentina — the pope’s country of birth — and Italy, which hosts the Vatican.
From Africa, the following presidents have confirmed their attendance:
- João Lourenço of Angola
- José Maria Neves of Cape Verde
- Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic
- Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon
Also representing the African continent is Cardinal Stephen Brislin, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.