Rome has become the center of global attention once again as world leaders and royals from 170 national delegations gather on Saturday to pay their final respects at the funeral of Pope Francis. While the day is officially one of mourning, many observers believe the event could also serve as a catalyst for informal political discussions among attending dignitaries.

Experts suggest that funerals of major global figures often evolve into opportunities for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Pasquale Ferrara, Director General for Political Affairs and International Security at Italy’s Foreign Ministry, noted that “funeral diplomacy” is not new. “It happened at the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where Australia and Japan initiated talks on a joint security statement for the Asia-Pacific,” Ferrara said.

Similar patterns were seen at the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, where leaders from rival nations engaged in unprecedented exchanges. Raisi’s funeral, following his death in a helicopter crash in May 2024, notably prompted the first visits to Tehran by a Tunisian president and an Egyptian foreign minister since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Saturday’s gathering in Rome presents similar opportunities, even as it poses significant diplomatic and logistical challenges. Ferrara pointed out that coordinating between the Vatican, the Italian state, and the numerous visiting delegations — many of whom are in Rome for just a few hours — requires delicate handling and flexibility.

The ceremony is expected to foster more informal encounters rather than formal negotiations. According to Ferrara, spontaneous conversations during moments of mourning can often build personal trust between leaders, laying the groundwork for future diplomacy.

During his decade-long papacy, Pope Francis carved out a unique role for the Vatican in addressing global issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and social justice. His outreach to leaders across the political and religious spectrum leaves a wide legacy — and today, many of those he touched have gathered to honor him.

For the attending world leaders, Saturday’s funeral is not only a solemn farewell but also a rare opportunity for dialogue, potentially sowing seeds for future cooperation in a world often divided by politics and ideology.

A powerful explosion tore through the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran’s Bandar Abbas on Saturday, killing at least four people and injuring more than 500, according to Iranian state media. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.

The explosion caused extensive damage to port offices and nearby infrastructure, with shockwaves felt in neighboring cities. Reports from domestic outlets said the blast shattered windows of buildings located several kilometers from the epicenter, highlighting the intensity of the explosion.

According to the director general of crisis management in Hormozgan province, where the port is located, authorities have yet to determine the cause. Firefighting teams were deployed immediately and are still battling the fires ignited by the blast at the quay.

State television reported that at least 516 people were injured, with many receiving treatment at local hospitals. Footage aired on Iranian media showed chaotic scenes as ambulances rushed to emergency rooms, where victims crowded waiting areas. Some images on social media captured massive plumes of thick black smoke rising over the port, and buildings with windows blown out far from the blast site.

The Shahid Rajaee port is Iran’s most advanced container terminal, handling around 72.5 million metric tonnes of goods annually. It is a vital artery for the Islamic Republic’s trade, especially given the country’s economic isolation.

Authorities are continuing emergency operations at the port while investigating what triggered the devastating explosion. The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, raising concerns about the security of key infrastructure.

As of Saturday evening, officials had not indicated whether the explosion was accidental or the result of foul play. The government has urged the public to stay away from the area while cleanup and rescue efforts continue.

A massacre in Indian-administered Kashmir this week has left 26 tourists dead, reopening deep wounds between India and Pakistan and pushing the two rivals closer to renewed confrontation.

Among the victims was 69-year-old Ramachandran Narayanamenon, who had returned to India after decades working in Qatar, looking forward to a retirement filled with travel and time with family. His longtime friend, Balachandran Menonparambil, described him as a “happy man” who was “excited” for his trip to Kashmir with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. A day after Narayanamenon boarded his flight, Menonparambil learned of his death. “Only half of me is working now,” he said at the cremation ceremony.

Another grieving family is that of Kavita Lele, whose husband Sanjay, 50, and two cousins, Hemant Joshi, 45, and Atul Mone, 43, were also killed. The men, all from near Mumbai, had planned the trip to Pahalgam as a long-awaited family outing. Sanjay’s wife, who suffers from partial paralysis, had finally agreed to join after months of health challenges. Just before the attack, the group had bought food from a local stall, initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks. Locals urged them to take cover, but the three men were shot, and a 20-year-old nephew was wounded. It took nearly four hours for Kavita, struggling with her disability, to reach safety.

The attack has sent shockwaves across India, triggering protests and demands for justice. Survivors recounted that gunmen accused some victims of supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since Modi’s government revoked Kashmir’s special status in 2019, the region has seen growing unrest.

New Delhi has blamed Pakistan for supporting militant groups operating in Kashmir — a charge Islamabad denies. Following the massacre, India downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended its participation in a key water-sharing treaty with Pakistan, moves that Islamabad warned could be seen as acts of war.

Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has long been a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbors, leading to three wars since 1947. This latest tragedy underscores how fragile the situation remains — and how ordinary families, seeking only peace and beauty, continue to bear the heaviest burden.

“This is not something that can end,” said Rajesh Kadam, Kavita Lele’s brother-in-law. “We have to now live with this.”