President Donald Trump has announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, following the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” President Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The Vatican confirmed earlier in the day that Pope Francis passed away at 5:35 a.m. GMT at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, according to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the Catholic Church as the 266th pope and was widely regarded for his humility, progressive views, and deep concern for the poor and marginalized. His papacy left a lasting impact on both the Church and the global community.
In a mark of respect, President Trump has ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and federal grounds on the day of the late pope’s burial. The Vatican has yet to announce the official date for the funeral.
The visit by President Trump underscores the significance of the moment, as world leaders prepare to gather in Rome to honor one of the most influential religious figures of the 21st century. Despite previous ideological differences between the pontiff and the president, Trump’s attendance reflects a gesture of global unity and respect.
The funeral is expected to draw millions of mourners and dignitaries from across the world, paying tribute to Pope Francis’s enduring legacy of compassion, reform, and interfaith dialogue.
