MANILA, Philippines —President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos flew to the Vatican on Thursday, April 24, to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, Malacañang confirmed Thursday evening.

The First Couple will join over 170 world leaders and dignitaries expected to pay their final respects to the pontiff, who passed away on April 21.

“The President and the First Lady will convey the thoughts and prayers of the Filipino people, who fondly recall Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in 2015, his compassion, and his life of humility and service to the world,” the Palace said in a statement.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. (4 p.m. Philippine time) at the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

As the largest Catholic nation in Asia, the Philippines joins the international community in mourning the death of Pope Francis and honoring his enduring legacy of faith and compassion.

The Vatican confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away at the age of 88 following complications from double pneumonia. 

His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by efforts to reform the Church amid internal tensions and global challenges.