President Donald Trump has confirmed that he and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, despite their historically contentious relationship. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, at the age of 88, following a stroke and cardiac arrest. The funeral is expected to take place within the week, with arrangements being finalized by the Vatican.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated, “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”
During his presidency, Trump and Pope Francis had notable disagreements, particularly on issues such as immigration and border security. In 2016, Pope Francis criticized Trump’s proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that it was not in line with Christian values. Trump responded by questioning the Pope’s understanding of the situation.
Despite these past differences, President Trump has expressed respect for Pope Francis following his death. In addition to attending the funeral, Trump ordered all American flags on government grounds, including military installations and embassies abroad, to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of the funeral.
The funeral of Pope Francis is anticipated to be attended by numerous world leaders and dignitaries, reflecting the global impact of his papacy. Pope Francis was known for his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church and his advocacy for marginalized communities.
