WILLEMSTAD – The funeral of Pope Francis will take place this Saturday, April 26, the same day the Netherlands and Curaçao celebrate King’s Day. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The overlap of these two significant events has sparked questions regarding how King’s Day celebrations will proceed, particularly in the Netherlands. So far, the Dutch Government Information Service (RVD) has not yet commented on whether the program in Doetinchem, this year’s host city, will be adjusted out of respect for the Pope’s funeral.
The municipality of Doetinchem has confirmed that it is in discussions with the RVD and expects to have clarity by the end of the day.
Father Hans Pauw, the parish priest for Doetinchem, said he will skip the festivities on Saturday. “My priority lies with the funeral of the Pope,” Pauw stated. While he emphasized that everyone must make their own decision, he believes it is appropriate for the Church to reflect on the passing of the head of the Catholic Church.
The funeral is expected to draw numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also attend. Russia is still deciding whom to send, but President Vladimir Putin has confirmed he will not be present.
Today, the Pope remains laid out in the Vatican guesthouse where he resided. On Wednesday morning, his coffin will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful will have several days to pay their final respects.
