Vatican Snubs Joe Biden – Tells him Not to Attend Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral

Matteo Bruni, Vatican spokesperson told That reporter “following the wishes of the pope emeritus, the funeral will be held under the sign of simplicity,” It will be an important reminder “solemn but sober funeral.”

“The express request on the part of the emeritus pope is that everything be simple, both with regard to the funeral as well as the other celebrations and gestures during this time of pain,” He concluded.

Only two state delegations were invited by the Vatican to attend the funeral Mass, but some heads of state or public figures have chosen to attend the funeral unofficially. 

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar are among those who have already confirmed their attendance at Benedict XVI’s funeral in an unofficial capacity.

The European royals Queen Sofia of Spain, King Philip and Queen Mathilde from Belgium will also be attending. 

Jean-Pierre stated that Biden “joins Catholics and so many others around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He will always remember the pope’s generosity and meaningful conversation they had when he visited the Vatican in 2011.”