Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio joined over 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs for the Funeral liturgy for the Holy Father, Pope Francis in Rome Italy.
President Julius Maada Bio was accompanied by Mrs Asmaa James, the Charge d’Affaires of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Brussels, an accredited representative of the Vatican.
The funeral occurred on Saturday, 26th April 2026, the first day of the Novendiali, on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff Francis was held according to the provisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis.
President Bio, a devout Catholic, stood alongside fellow African leaders such as President William Ruto of Kenya, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Joâo Manuel Gonçalves of Angola, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of Central African Republic and President Brice Nguema of Gabon. International dignitaries included U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former U.S President Joe Biden and Prince William representing King Charles III.
President Bio’s attendance underscored his deep personal faith and solidarity with the global Catholic community. “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope and compassion,” President Bio remarked. “His dedication to peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue resonated deeply with the people of Sierra Leone and across Africa.”
Pope Francis is known worldwide as a reformer of Catholic doctrine and has been acclaimed for his support of immigrants.
The funeral procession concluded with Pope Francis’ burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, honoring his request for a humble resting place.
