paid the Peruvian nation's respects before the coffin of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, ahead of the Holy Father's funeral rites scheduled for Saturday.
"This morning I arrived and paid my respects on behalf of Peru and the President of the Republic to the Holy Father, Pope Francis," Schialer told RPP Noticias.
The diplomat emphasized that Pope Francis was deeply loved in Peru, and that he greatly honored the country's name, particularly the Amazon region.
The ambassador recalled that thanks to the Amazon Synod, the encyclical Laudato Si was issued, which promotes the care, protection, and responsible use of the Earth's resources.
The Cabinet member emphasized that His Holiness had arranged for his funeral rites "to be as simple and as humble as possible, reflecting the way he saw life and the way he lived it."
On Saturday, Minister Schialer will take part in the Holy Father's funeral ceremony, before his remains are transferred to their final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as was his wish.
A total of 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs will attend Pope Francis' funeral rites, the Holy See announced.
In that regard, the minister lamented that the President of the Republic was denied permission to travel to the Vatican.