The funeral honors for former Vice President Germán Vargas Lleras have concluded their second day of public tributes in Bogotá. The ceremonies, organized by his family and political leaders, are taking place at the Palacio de San Carlos and the Catedral Primada de Colombia.
On Sunday, May 10, the Palacio de San Carlos, which serves as the headquarters of the Cancillería, opened its doors to the public from 10:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. Hundreds of citizens attended the wake to pay their respects while the former Vice President remained in a state of lying-in-state.
Political Figures Gather in Bogotá
The tributes have drawn a wide array of national political figures. Attendees included former President Iván Duque, former senator of Cambio Radical David Luna, and Representative Carolina Arbeláez.
Other notable guests included candidate Paloma Valencia and her vice-presidential formula Juan Daniel Oviedo, as well as Senator Andrés Forero and former Comptroller Julio César Turbay. Former ministers Luis Felipe Henao and Juan Fernando Cristo were also present, alongside lawyer Jaime Lombana and his son Juan, and Cristina Plazas Michelsen.
Aspirant Abelardo de la Espriella remarked on the former Vice President’s legacy, stating, “If Vargas Lleras had been president, the history of Colombia would be different. He was a politician who executed, with results, far from empty discourse.”
Institutional and Family Tributes
President Gustavo Petro reacted to the death of Vargas Lleras via his X account, describing him as a “brave and serious” politician. The President added, “I regret that his seriousness in the debate disappears.”
In a personal tribute, José Antonio Vargas Lleras, the brother of the former Vice President, wrote a farewell column titled ‘Un guerrero’ (A Warrior), reflecting on his brother’s public and personal life. The Cambio Radical party issued an official farewell message through its X account.
Final Rites and Next Steps
The final funeral services are scheduled for Monday, May 11. A mass will be held at the Catedral Primada de Colombia at 11:00 a.m.
Following the public mass, the family has indicated that a private ceremony will take place. These final exequies will mark the conclusion of the formal public mourning period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where have the funeral honors for Germán Vargas Lleras been held?
The honors have been held at the Palacio de San Carlos, the headquarters of the Cancillería in Bogotá, and will conclude at the Catedral Primada de Colombia.
What time is the funeral mass on May 11?
The mass is scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. At the Catedral Primada de Colombia.
How did the Casa de Nariño signal its mourning?
The Presidency of the Republic adopted a black ribbon in its institutional contents and television programs to express solidarity with the family.
How do you think the loss of a “serious” political voice affects the current national debate?
