President William Ruto has arrived in Rome, Italy, where he is preparing to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. His arrival comes shortly after completing his official State visit to China.
Exclusive photos shared by Newshub.co.ke captured the moment Ruto was welcomed in Rome by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
This reception surprised many, as earlier reports had suggested that Ruto had appointed Wetang’ula to represent him at the ceremony instead of attending personally.
The funeral has drawn numerous global figures, including former United States President Donald Trump.
Ruto will join 11 other African Heads of State at the significant event, a development that was officially confirmed by the Vatican.
The official list of dignitaries includes Angola’s President Joao Lourenco, Cape Verde’s President Jose Maria Neves, and DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi.
Other leaders expected are President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic, and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo.
Lesotho’s King Letsie III, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan are also listed among the African attendees.
Additionally, Burundi’s Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, and Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe are confirmed to attend the historic ceremony.
Earlier, on Thursday, April 24, Speaker Wetang’ula had disclosed that President Ruto had officially nominated him to represent Kenya at the funeral.
Wetang’ula made the announcement during a visit to the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi, where he led Members of Parliament in delivering condolences.
The funeral, scheduled for Saturday, will mark the end of nearly a week of mourning for Pope Francis.
Throughout his life, Francis became known for his unwavering support for migrants, the poor, and the marginalized, often challenging powerful world figures who are now set to honor him.
The ceremony will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica, beginning at 10:00 AM. The coffin, crafted from wood and lined with zinc, was sealed on Friday evening and will be placed in front of the grand altar outside the Basilica for the Mass.
A massive crowd, expected to be in the hundreds of thousands, will gather from all parts of the world to pay their final respects.
The funeral will be the first of nine Masses that will be celebrated daily at St. Peter’s Basilica through to Sunday, May 4, following the official traditions outlined in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the funeral liturgy.
During the event, patriarchs and cardinals will stand out by wearing purple liturgical garments with white damask mitres, while bishops will wear simpler white mitres, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere for the final farewell.
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