Africa-Press – Namibia. ONLY two official state delegations — from Italy and Germany — were invited to the funeral of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI which is taking place at the Vatican today.
Speaking to reporters, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said that the funeral will be held under “the sign of simplicity” in fulfilment of the wishes of the late Pope.
“The express request on the part of the late Pope is that everything be simple, both with regard to the funeral as well as the other celebrations and gestures during this time of pain,” he said.
While only two state delegations were officially invited to attend the funeral, some heads of state and other public figures have decided to attend the event in unofficial capacity. They include president Andrzej Duda (Poland), prime minister Viktor Orban (Hungary), prime minister Petr Fiala (Czech Republic) and president Nataša Pirc Musar (Slovenia).
Queen Sofia of Spain and King Philip and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are also planning to attend.
President Joe Biden of the USA will be represented by the country’s ambassador to the Vatican.
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