Pope Francis funeral updates: Zelensky attendance in doubt as coffin sealed

have sealed the coffin of Pope Francis after hundreds of thousands of mourners filed past his open coffin to pay their respects. The ceremony to close the casket brings to an end a remarkable three days of His Holiness lying in state in St Peter's Basillica as worshippers and world leaders paid tribute to him.

US President Donald Trump, Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are among the leaders arriving in Rome for the huge in St Peter's Square.

The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska had been expected to attend, but Sky News reports Ukrainian sources have said Mr Zelensky may not attend after he cut short a visit to South Africa following heavy Russian bombing of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv this week.

And Italian newspaper La Repubblica quoted Mr Zelensky as saying he is "not sure he'll have the time", adding "If I'll have the time I'll surely be in attendance.

"If I won't have the time, Ukraine will be adequately represented. In attendance will be the foreign minister and the first lady. When it comes to me, it is important to be here. Tomorrow we will host several military meeting."

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