Donald Trump may find himself seated in the third row at Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, despite his status as US President and leader of the free world.The former business mogul, accustomed to VIP treatment, will likely be relegated behind Catholic and non-Catholic royals according to Vatican protocol.As dignitaries from approximately 130 countries prepare to attend the solemn ceremony at St Peter’s Basilica, the seating plan follows strict traditional hierarchies.While the Vatican has not yet released official details, precedent suggests Trump will not enjoy the prominence he might expect.The funeral will host some 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.Catholic royals will be given pride of place in the front row, as is traditional for papal funerals.This prestigious group includes King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, alongside King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.Also occupying the front row will be Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco will join them, as will Prince Alois and Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein.The seating arrangement reflects the Vatican’s protocol of giving precedence to monarchs from Catholic nations. This continues a tradition observed at previous papal funerals, where Catholic royalty receive prominent positions.Prince William will be seated in the second row, directly in front of Donald Trump. The Prince of Wales will be joined by other non-Catholic royals in this tier of seating.These include Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden will also occupy places in the second row.Queen Mary of Denmark completes the contingent of non-Catholic royalty in this seating arrangement.This positioning places these prominent royal figures between the Catholic monarchs and other world leaders. The arrangement demonstrates the Vatican’s careful adherence to protocol, with royal status taking precedence over political power.While the Vatican has not released official details of the seating plan, clues can be gleaned from Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005.Foreign dignitaries will be seated in a large block to one side of Francis’s coffin.Archbishops, bishops, patriarchs and cardinals – the red-robed “princes of the Church” – will be seated opposite them.The arcane world of Vatican protocol dictates this strict hierarchy of seating arrangements.With delegations from about 130 countries making their way to Rome, the funeral represents a significant diplomatic gathering.The presence of 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs underscores the global significance of the papal funeral.
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