First couple to leave for Vatican

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to leave for Vatican City on the night of April 24, 2025 to attend Pope Francis’ burial. — File photo from the Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are scheduled to depart for Vatican City on Thursday night, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

She added that there is no information yet on who will serve as the country’s caretaker while the President is attending the funeral of Pope Francis.

“Most likely, before the president leaves, they will provide the details about that,” Castro said in Filipino in a Palace briefing.

READ: Marcos to attend Pope Francis funeral

There is also no information yet on whether other Philippine government officials will attend the pope’s burial or if Marcos has other scheduled activities in Vatican City.

Pope Francis’ burial has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where he also made his last appearance through an Easter Sunday blessing and a popemobile tour.

The pope died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering from a stroke and cardiac arrest.