Italian and Vatican authorities have implemented unprecedented security measures for Pope Francis's funeral, deploying approximately 3,000 law enforcement officers around St. Peter's Square.12 The comprehensive security operation includes specialized anti-drone systems with radio-jamming capabilities, snipers positioned on rooftops, patrols along the Tiber River, and fighter jets monitoring a no-fly zone over Rome.345

The security challenge is particularly complex given the outdoor setting and the convergence of high-profile dignitaries requiring protection.6 Streets surrounding the Vatican have been closed to traffic, with additional checkpoints activated the night before the funeral.47 The Swiss Guard, despite their ceremonial appearance, are working alongside Italian forces including the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza to secure the area, with police reinforcements drafted from other regions of Italy to bolster the protective measures.6

The potential meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Pope Francis's funeral has attracted significant diplomatic attention. Trump confirmed that a meeting with Zelenskyy in Rome was "possible," which would mark their first face-to-face encounter since a tense February meeting at the White House where Trump criticized Zelenskyy for what he called a lack of gratitude for American support.12 The Vatican's decision to seat delegations according to French alphabetical order will place Trump (États-Unis) and Zelenskyy at a comfortable distance from each other during the ceremony, avoiding potential diplomatic awkwardness.3

Zelenskyy's attendance remains uncertain due to urgent military meetings in Kyiv following Russia's recent missile strike that killed 12 and injured 87, with the Ukrainian president stating that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and First Lady Olena Zelenska would represent Ukraine if he couldn't attend.1 The diplomatic context is particularly sensitive given Trump's recent statements about Ukraine, including his declaration that "Crimea will stay with Russia" and his admission, "I'm not a big fan" of Zelenskyy.45 This potential meeting occurs as Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff has held multiple discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including their fourth meeting since February that took place just days before the funeral.4

Among the notable absences at Pope Francis's funeral will be Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Putin, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will be represented instead by Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova.12 Despite this absence, Putin paid tribute to the Pope, praising him as a "defender of humanism" and acknowledging his role in promoting dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.3

Israel will have minimal representation, with only Ambassador to the Holy See Yaron Sideman attending.42 China's presence remains uncertain, as Beijing has yet to confirm any representation despite years of Vatican diplomatic overtures.2 These absences stand in stark contrast to the extensive global attendance, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics that persist even during this solemn occasion. The seating arrangement, following French alphabetical order in keeping with diplomatic tradition, may create some interesting pairings among the attending world leaders.2