Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt are among the countries sending high-level delegations to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, while Israel is sending an ambassador in a possible sign of tension with the Vatican.

The pope died on Monday at the age of 88 following a respiratory illness.

The late Catholic leader leaves a lasting legacy in the Middle East. He was the first pope to visit Iraq and the Gulf. In his final months, he garnered attention for criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Francis was mourned by several religious institutions in the region, including the Chaldean and Maronite churches, both of which are in communion with the Catholic Church.

The funeral is set for Saturday. According to the Vatican, 130 delegations are confirmed to be coming, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns. US........

© Al Monitor