A nearly one hundred heads of states, royalties and dignitaries will come together for the funeral of Pope Francis , Russia and Israel will not be represented by their respective chief executives while China may snub the event.

China has not confirmed inquiries of the foreign media if it would send a representative. It will be recalled that the communist country issued a brief message of condolence after journalists made inquiries and only after almost 24 hours after the pontiff’s passing was announced.

Despite Beijing’s suspected lack of interest to the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has included a prayer translated to Chinese as part of the funeral program.

Pope Francis took numerous attempts to bridge any gap with the Chinese government as he pursued peace and goodwill among countries.

Observers have cited the Catholic leader’s push for a dialogue with China as among the most laudable decisions made by Pope Francis during his tenure in the Vatican.

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli :Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are not expected to join their fellow leaders in extending personal sympathies with Vatican, they will still be represented in the funeral.

Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova has been tapped by Putin to represent him while Israel will be represented by Yaron Zeidman, the ambassador to the Holy See.



Both Putin and Netanyahu’s excuse for their absence could be threat of being arrested while attending the funeral.

The International Criminal Court has issued warrants for the arrest of Putin and Netanyahu for crimes against humanity.

However, Netanyahu’s non-appearance is also tied with the strained ties between his government and the Vatican in connection with the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Israel is believed to be the last country to release a statement of condolences to the Catholic church.

It will be recalled that Pope Francis had issued numerous calls for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, noting that the attacks have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, many of them civilians.