Euro-royals to attend the funeral following the death of the first-ever retired Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI include Queen Sofia of Spain, King Philippe of Belgium, alongside his wife, Queen Mathilde. They will convene at the Vatican for the ceremony.
The Pope died on December 31, 2022, in the Vatican monastery, which he called home following his retirement in 2013. Born Joseph Ratzinger in Marktl, Germany, on April 16, 1927, he made history as the first pope to resign from the papacy in six centuries.
The historical figure, who died at 95, will lie in state until January 4, 2022, a few hours before his funeral. On January 5, 2022, Pope Benedict’s burial procession will be held at St. Peter’s, with Pope Francis officiating the ceremony.
Expectedly, notable figures, including the royal families around Europe, will be present to pay their last respect to the Pope, and recently a few of them announced their interest. So who are the royals attending the funeral?
Pope Benedict XVI funeral: Queen Sofia and King Philippe confirm attendance https://t.co/SW1cCuT2vr
— Sharon K. Gilbert (@sharonkgilbert) January 3, 2023
Queen Sofia of Spain and King Philippe of Belgium To Attend The Pope’s Funeral as King Charles Mourns
Sources confirmed that the Queen Sofia of Spain and King Philippe of Belgium would be present at the event. However, it’s unknown if the Queen’s husband, King Juan Carlos I, will tag along.
On the other hand, King Philippe and his wife, Queen Mathilde, are confirmed to be present during the Pope’s funeral procession later in the week at the Vatican city.
For now, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have not declared if they are among the royals attending the funeral. But the English King poured out his thoughts following the tragedy.
King Charles confessed via a statement that he was saddened, but he further revealed his admiration for the pope whom he conformed, sought to “promote peace and goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.”
The monarch did not forget to appreciate the sitting pontiff, Pope Francis, who would preside over a “simple” funeral honoring the wishes of the deceased pope.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will forever be remembered as the German cardinal who had served as the Church’s guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy before becoming the pope in 2005.