Lorraine Williamson
Spain will send a high-profile delegation to the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
The service will commence at 10.00 am local time and is expected to be attended by numerous world leaders.
Royal family and government officials to attend
Leading Spain’s delegation will be King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Former Queen Sofía will also attend. Representing the Spanish government are Deputy Prime Ministers María Jesús Montero (PSOE) and Yolanda Díaz (Sumar), Minister Félix Bolaños (PSOE), and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo (PP).
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will not travel to Rome. At events of this nature, it is customary for the head of state to act as the national representative—King Felipe VI fulfils that role.
In the days leading up to the funeral, the Spanish Royal Household shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, stating:
Firma de los Reyes y de la Reina Sofía en el libro de condolencias abierto en la Nunciatura Apostólica por el fallecimiento de Su Santidad el Papa Francisco.”
The message confirmed that King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía signed the book of condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid.
Pope Francis and his ties with Spain
While the Pope did not have a deeply personal connection with Spain, his native Spanish and his strong ties with Latin American clergy brought him close to the Spanish-speaking world. He appointed several Spanish cardinals during his pontificate, including Carlos Osoro Sierra and Juan José Omella—two key figures in the Spanish Catholic Church.
Both men supported the Pope’s pastoral priorities and played influential roles within the Church in Spain.
Francis’ message found resonance in Spain
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently addressed global issues such as poverty, migration, and social injustice. These subjects have strong relevance in Spain, where unemployment, inequality, and integration continue to pose challenges.
His focus on inclusion and social conscience earned him respect from many Spaniards, across both religious and political lines. His death closes a chapter that reached far beyond the Vatican walls.
A departure from tradition in burial
The funeral will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. In a break with tradition, Pope Francis will not be buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, his final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
National mourning and changes to Sant Jordi
Spain declared three days of national mourning following the Pope’s passing. During this period, flags will fly at half-mast across government buildings.
In Catalonia, the regional government cancelled the festive elements of the Sant Jordi Day celebrations on April 23. Only cultural and literary events were allowed to proceed, in accordance with the national mourning guidelines.
World leaders in attendance
Numerous international leaders are expected to attend the funeral, including Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Lula da Silva.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was the first Latin American to hold the papacy. He is remembered for championing the poor and the planet.
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