Virtually all European royal families have confirmed their attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis. Heads of state from across Europe are also expected to be present. Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are both anticipated to attend.
An unexpected question has arisen — could Vladimir Putin also attend? While Italy recognizes the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Vatican does not. Technically, this means Putin would enjoy immunity while on Vatican territory. Furthermore, given that the Italian Prime Minister recently ordered the release of Libyan General Najim Osem Almasri Khabish, head of Libya’s judicial police, who had been detained under an ICC warrant, the threat to Putin appears minimal. Italy has shown flexibility in enforcing ICC warrants under certain political circumstances.
In theory, this means Putin could attend the funeral alongside Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. But for now, it remains just a theoretical possibility.
There is also speculation that Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, may attend the funeral of the pontiff.
At the same time, there is growing speculation that the Kremlin may be working behind the scenes to secure support from African and Latin American cardinals to back a papal candidate aligned with right-wing interests. This candidate is reportedly being promoted by American (pro-Trump) and Italian neo-conservative cardinals.
