Where is Trump going to sit? All about the protocol of Francis’ funeral that Putin will not attend but Zelenski will

As the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, preparations for his funeral are underway. The ceremony will take place this Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and will be attended by some of the most important figures in the world today.

This is a globally significant event that is making headlines beyond religious circles: all eyes will be focused not only on Pope Francis’s tomb, but also on the chairs of the guests. In this regard, the presence of Donald Trump, who will not be in the front row, is particularly noteworthy.

Where Donald Trump will sit

Everything indicates that the President of the United States will sit in the third row of seats during Pope Francis’ funeral. This will place him behind, for example, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Giorgia Meloni, and Javier Milei.

This is because he is invited to the funeral as Head of State, and the front rows are reserved for royalty. In other words, ahead of Trump will be the invited monarchs, including those of Spain, who will be accompanied by King Felipe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Prince William, and the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg, among others.

As for Giorgia Meloni and Javier Milei, who are also Heads of State, they will sit ahead of Trump because they represent Pope Francis’s nations.

Absent from the funeral

Among the notable absentees is the Prime Minister of Spain, who, according to the government, is not attending to give prominence to the monarchs. Putin will also be absent, having sent a message of condolence but quickly confirmed that he would not be present. Zelensky will attend, highlighting the pontiff’s stance and his support for ending the war in Ukraine.

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