Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the funeral of Pope Francis, the Kremlin has confirmed.
The decision comes amidst the ongoing restriction on Putin’s international movements due to an active arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The warrant stems from allegations related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children during Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “No. The president has no such plans,” in response to inquiries about Putin’s possible appearance at the high-profile Vatican ceremony.
Pope Francis, who passed away last week, will be laid to rest on Saturday.
His body is expected to be transferred from the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae to St. Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday, where it will lie in state for public viewing.
The Vatican announced that the final funeral rites will commence at 10am local time, allowing thousands of Catholic faithful and global leaders to pay their last respects.