[HDPM]

It is an intesely political event. The Vatican is regognized as a state of sorts and the rules and customs of diplomacy apply. So it isn't just going to a funeral. When a former head of state attends a state funeral it is political. IMO the best thing is to exclude a buffoon like Carter. He consistently works against American policy. OTOH, you have to calculate the fallout of not dragging the buffoon along. I like the party is limited to 5 bit because clearly Carter is not in the top 5 to attend. I guess if he wants to attend on his own or whatever...