Rome [Italy], May 18: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has registered to attend the official inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, along with more than 150 delegations from around the world, the Holy See said on Saturday.
In addition to Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are also among those due to attend the Mass in St Peter's Square on Sunday.
The US delegation is to be led by Vice President JD Vance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio also planning to attend.
Representatives from Italy, Peru and the United States will have front-row seats in the VIP gallery, as Leo holds Peruvian and US citizenship. The occasion is likely to involve various meetings between state guests. According to Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, attempts are being made to organize a bilateral meeting between the pope and Vance.
Vance last visited Rome in April, when he was the last politician to meet with the late pope Francis before his death on April 21. Leo became the first pope from the US on May 8. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune