The Vatican says Pope Francis will not be present at the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
The de facto foreign minister for the Pope will take his seat.
The Vatican says in a statement: “The Most Reverend Paul Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations, will represent Pope Francis at the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Over recent months the Pope has suffered ongoing knee trouble that has impacted his mobility. On a July trip to Canada, he spent much of his visit in a wheelchair.