President Ruto Arrives in Rome for Pope Francis' Funeral

• Apr 26, 2025

President William Ruto has landed in Rome, Italy, to join other global leaders and Catholic faithful in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

Ruto arrived in Italy directly from a state visit to China and was received in Rome by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. Confirming his arrival, the president posted on X, saying he was in Rome to attend the Pope’s funeral alongside other world leaders.

Pope Francis died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, following a long struggle with a cerebral stroke. The illness had left him in a coma and led to irreversible cardiovascular failure. His body lay in state at St Peter’s Square for three days, giving thousands of mourners a chance to pay their final respects.

Before his death, the Pope gave specific instructions regarding his burial. He requested to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. In keeping with his humble lifestyle, he asked for a simple grave, free from decorations, with only the name "Franciscus" inscribed on the tomb.

He also arranged for the burial costs to be covered by a benefactor. The funds were directed to the basilica through Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, who was appointed as the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

Initially, Speaker Wetang’ula had announced that he would represent the president at the funeral, as Ruto was still in China on April 24. Speaking at the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi that day, Wetang’ula said Ruto had instructed him to attend the burial on his behalf. However, the president was later able to travel to Rome himself.

Several other prominent world leaders are expected at the funeral service. They include Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, U.S. President Donald Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The funeral of Pope Francis is not just a farewell to a religious leader, but a historic moment that has drawn the world’s attention and united many in grief and reflection.