President Javier Milei to travel to Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral

President Javier Milei will travel to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, the first Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Government sources said Argentina's head of state intends to attend Francis' funeral in Rome and will personally head Argentina's delegation to the Holy See.

Leaders and heads of state from across the world are expected to participate in the emotional farewell to the Holy Father.

The exact date of Francis' funeral, which will be staged this week, and Milei's trip are yet to be confirmed.

Despite his intention to attend the proceedings at the Holy See, Milei did not attend a Mass headed by Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday morning.

None of Milei's government ministers were present either, with the exception of Claudio Avruj, the head of the National Institute for Indigenous Affairs, whose offices are located near the Cathedral.

Milei's scheduled appearance on a streaming programme was cancelled Monday, as has his closing speech at a La Libertad Avanza party conference in La Plata on April 22.

In comments to the press on Monday, Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge García Cuerva said that several government officials had contacted him to express their condolences, though Milei had not personally spoken to him.

Earlier Monday, Milei posted a tribute to Pope Francis on social media. "Despite differences that today seem minor, it was truly an honour for me to have known him in his kindness and wisdom,” he wrote. “As President, as an Argentine, and above all as a man of Faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all those who are grieving this sad news today. Rest in peace.”

The national government has declared seven days of mourning to mark the Pope’s death, during which flags will fly at half-mast across the country and official events will be suspended.

According to local media outlets, the President will travel with a small delegation to Rome and hold official meetings during a brief stay in Italy.