The news of Pope Francis’ passing sent a deep wave of sorrow across the Christian world. Honoring his personal wish, he will be buried not in the Vatican, but in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Before the funeral, his body will lie in state for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica, where hundreds of thousands of mourners and world leaders are expected to pay their respects.
Leaders from across the globe, from France’s President Macron to Argentina’s fiery President Javier Milei, along with Donald Trump and his wife, have confirmed their attendance. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be present. However, King Charles, who had a strong personal bond with the late pope, will not be attending for a rather strange and surprising reason—one rooted in centuries-old royal protocol that few people even know about.