Who is attending the pope’s funeral?

The burial of Pope John Paul II in 2005 was marked by unique interactions. Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush attended the funeral, surrounded by Iraq War allies, which led to jeers due to his past connections. Prince Charles interacted awkwardly with Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe during a time of strained relations. A rumored handshake between Iranian President Mahmoud Khatami and Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Katsav sparked expectations for reconciliation but was later denied. The event also highlighted tensions over Taiwan's inclusion in international events, leading to China's boycott, underscoring geopolitical complexities.