Brazil's Lula to attend Pope Francis' funeral
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A picture of Pope Francis stands during Mass at Basilica of San Jose de Flores, following the death of the pontiff, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 21, 2025. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
SAO PAULO - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and first lady Janja Lula da Silva will travel to Rome to attend Pope Francis' funeral, the Brazilian government said in a statement on Monday.
The confirmation of the date depends on the Vatican protocol, the government said.
Earlier on Monday, Lula declared a seven-day mourning for Francis in Latin America's biggest country.
"Humanity loses today a voice of respect and welcome for others," Lula said in a separate statement.
"May God comfort those who today, everywhere in the world, suffer the pain of this enormous loss. In his memory and in homage to his work, I decree a seven-day mourning in Brazil." REUTERS
