PM Fiala to attend funeral of Pope Benedict XVI

Prime Minister Petr Fiala will represent Czechia at the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Thursday. The Czech head of government made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday.

Up to 70,000 people, including world leaders and clergymen, are expected to attend the funeral mass in St Peter’s Square in Rome, celebrated by the current Pope Francis.

The former Pope, who headed the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013, died on Saturday at the age of 95. He was the first pope in 600 years to resign from the post, citing failing health.