Trump SHOCKER – Papal Funeral Attendance!

Former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Rome to pay their respects at Pope Francis’ funeral, despite their past policy disagreements with the late pontiff.

At a Glance

  • Donald and Melania Trump announced they will attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome on April 26
  • Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88 after battling double pneumonia
  • The funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
  • Pope Francis requested a simple burial “in the ground, without particular decoration”
    A nine-day mourning period will follow the Pope’s funeral

Trump Family Announces Plans to Attend Papal Funeral

Former President Donald Trump shared via his Truth Social platform that he and former First Lady Melania Trump will be traveling to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral. “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump wrote in his announcement on Sunday. The former president also offered his condolences in a separate post, writing, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

The Trumps’ decision to attend comes despite previous tensions between the former president and the pontiff, particularly regarding immigration policies during Trump’s administration. Pope Francis had been openly critical of Trump’s border wall plans and restrictive immigration policies, once suggesting that building walls instead of bridges was “not Christian.” Despite these past disagreements, Trump has chosen to pay his respects to the spiritual leader who guided the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics for over a decade.

Funeral Details and Arrangements

Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning at 7:35 a.m. local time at the age of 88. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square, which can accommodate large crowds of mourners and dignitaries from around the world. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the funeral ceremony, which is expected to draw international leaders alongside faithful Catholics wishing to bid farewell to the first Latin American pontiff.

Prior to the funeral, Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, allowing mourners to pay their respects. Following the funeral ceremony, a nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale will begin. The Pope’s final wishes included a simple burial “in the ground, without particular decoration,” with only his papal name “Franciscus” inscribed in Latin. His remains will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial, marking the first papal interment at this site since the 17th century.

Pope Francis’ Legacy and Final Days

Pope Francis, who made history as both the first Latin American pontiff and a member of the Jesuit order, died after battling double pneumonia. His health had been declining in recent months, though he continued his papal duties up until his final days. Just before his passing, he had met with Vice President J.D. Vance. In his final Easter address, which was delivered by an aide due to his failing health, Pope Francis highlighted issues faced by vulnerable populations worldwide.

During his pontificate, Pope Francis became known for his emphasis on mercy, care for the environment, and concern for the marginalized. He worked to reform Vatican finances and took strong positions on global issues including climate change and migration. As the College of Cardinals now prepares to gather for a conclave to elect his successor, Catholics worldwide are being encouraged to pray both for Pope Francis’ soul and for divine guidance as the cardinals select the next leader of the Catholic Church.

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