Vladimir Putin makes decision about attending Pope's funeral and meeting Donald Trump

Vladimir Putin has with leaders from the West by deciding not to attend the

The first congregation of the Cardinals met in the Synod Hall today to discuss when to hold the service for the Pope, . The congregation, summoned by Deacon of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Batista Re, later announced the funeral date as this Saturday to allow leaders, including and , to plan their trips for the service. As leader of , would have been expected to make the trip to Rome where the service will take place.

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Instead he has decided to skip it, reports Russian state news agency RIA. It has not yet been decided who will represent the nation at the funeral.

Despite the decision, Putin earlier paid tribute to the late pope. He said from Moscow: “This was a man, I want to emphasize once again, who had a highly positive attitude towards Russia.

“The Pope has done a lot not only for his flock, but also for the whole world. We offer our deepest condolences to the entire Christian world, and above all, of course, to Catholics.”

Last year, Pope Francis was quoted saying should have the “courage of the white flag” and sue for peace to end the brutal war with Russia.

Earlier this year he said in a poignant reference to Ukraine following US President ’s bust-up with Ukraine’s President in The Oval office: “From here, war appears even more absurd. Let us pray for tormented Ukraine, Palestine, , Lebanon, , Sudan and Kivu.”

Ahead of the Pope’s funeral at 10am local time (9am BST) on Saturday, the late Pope's body will be moved from the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican gatehouse where it has been resting since his death was confirmed, to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday. Once it is moved into the basilica, it will remain there for three days for to the late Catholic Church leader.

The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday the Holy Father’s coffin will tomorrow be taken to St Peter’s Basilica at 9am, where it will remain in state for three days and will then be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Saint Mary Major - in central Rome.

Cardinal Ferrell revealed the news at the Casa Santa Marta, close to St Peter's Basilica. He said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."