(ZENIT New / Vatican City, 02.01.20223).- The first official delegations from various countries have begun to confirm their participation in the funeral, not of State, which will be held on Thursday, January 5, in Saint Peter’s Square. Benedict XVI is the first Pope in contemporary history who die as Emeritus, hence, not as Head of State. Diplomatically speaking, this means that the presence of countries’ will be different.
On the part of Spain it will be Queen Sophia who will head the delegation. She will be accompanied, on the part of the leadership of the Spanish government, by the Minister of the Presidency, Felix Bolaños. Foreseen from Belgium is the participation of King Philip, and from Poland, of President Andrzej Duda. Heading the principal delegation from Germany will be the Governor of Bavaria. Finally, an official delegation of the Italian Government has been confirmed, although not specified up to now is if it will be led by President Sergio Mattarella or Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (first woman and Catholic to head Italy’s Government).
