Vatican restricts official delegations to 'solemn but simple' papal funeral (CNA)

The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI will be a “solemn but simple” ceremony, reflecting the wishes of the deceased Pontiff.

President Joe Biden will not attend the funeral. The White House indicated that the Vatican had suggested the American Ambassador to the Holy See, Joe Donnelly, should represent the US. The Vatican invited only two nations—Italy and Germany—to send official delegations. However a number of international leaders are planning to attend. Included among them are Queen Sofia of Spain, King Philip and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Slovenian President Natas Pirc Musar, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.