The Belgian Royal Palace has announced that King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will attend the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, where he will be buried in a crypt at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Last Wednesday, the Vatican and Pope Francis confirmed that his successor Pope Benedict XVI was 'gravely ill' and by Saturday, it was confirmed that the former Pope had passed away.
As a result, the Belgian Royal Couple King Philippe and Queen Mathilde announced that they will be attending his funeral set to take place at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday.
Related News
- Belgian bishops mourn the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
- Abuse cover-up case against Pope Benedict XVI to go ahead despite death
Their attendance will not come as a surprise to many, as his father King Albert II had been present at Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005, accompanied by his wife Queen Paola and the Prime Minister at the time Guy Verhofstadt.
However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the current Belgian PM Alexander De Croo will be joining the Royal Couple in attending Pope Benedict XVI's funeral.
