head of state

For it will be one of the largest gatherings of global heads of state and government since the funeral of the late Queen in 2022.

This is in marked contrast to the heads of state or government who will be attending from most major nations, including US President Donald Trump.

But as a head of state and leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide, it will still be a spectacle of ceremony and tradition.

Her approval ratings — which hover around 80% — are among the highest in the world for a head of state.

But if, and almost certainly when, he is elected as Gabon's head of state on Saturday, Oligui Nguema will face significant challenges.