Miguel Díaz-Canel, the head of Cuba's government, has opted not to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21. Instead, Salvador Valdés Mesa, Cuba's Vice President, will represent the nation. Valdés Mesa departed for Rome on Friday morning, leading a Cuban delegation to pay their respects to the 88-year-old Pontiff.
Upon arriving in Rome, Valdés Mesa shared on the social media platform X: "We are now in Rome, heading the Cuban delegation to honor Francis, whom the Cuban people will never forget." He continued, "We honor the life of Jorge Bergoglio and the Papacy of Francis, cherished by our people for his expressions of affection."
So far, Díaz-Canel has not disclosed why he will not be attending the Pope's funeral services. According to CNN, around 130 delegations, including more than 60 heads of state and 15 reigning monarchs, are expected to attend the funeral on Saturday.
Among those confirming their attendance are Argentina's President Javier Milei, U.S. President Donald Trump, France's Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ecuador's Daniel Noboa.
On Thursday, Díaz-Canel attended a Thanksgiving Mass for the papacy of Francis held at Havana's Cathedral. He was welcomed at the church by the Apostolic Nuncio in Cuba, Archbishop Antoine Camilleri. During the service, Archbishop Camilleri fondly remembered Francis as a shepherd for all, emphasizing his concern for the vulnerable and his unwavering call for peace in conflict zones.
Earlier in the week, Díaz-Canel declared an official mourning period across Cuba, beginning at 6:00 a.m. until midnight on April 24, with flags at public buildings and military institutions flown at half-mast. The official statement highlighted Pope Francis' role in "strengthening relations" between Havana and the Holy See and his mediation in restoring diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States during the 2014 "thaw."
Army General Raúl Castro, a pivotal figure in that diplomatic process, shared a personal message upon the Pontiff's death, referring to him as a "dear friend." He expressed, "His passing profoundly moves me. As he once told me, I will carry him in my heart forever."
Insights on Pope Francis' Funeral and Cuban Representation
Why is Miguel Díaz-Canel not attending Pope Francis' funeral?
Miguel Díaz-Canel has not publicly provided a reason for not attending the funeral. Instead, he has sent Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa to represent Cuba.
How many international delegations are expected at Pope Francis' funeral?
Approximately 130 delegations, including over 60 heads of state and 15 reigning monarchs, are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral.
Who are some of the notable leaders attending the funeral?
Notable leaders attending include Argentina's President Javier Milei, U.S. President Donald Trump, France's Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ecuador's Daniel Noboa.