President Trump Announces He and First Lady Will Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2025—President Donald Trump confirmed today that he and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking his first international trip of his second term. The announcement, made via a Truth Social post, comes hours after the Vatican reported the pontiff’s death at age 88, following a stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday. “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump wrote, sparking a wave of reactions across X and global media.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died at 7:35 a.m. local time in Vatican City, just one day after blessing thousands in St. Peter’s Square and meeting Vice President J.D. Vance, a recent Catholic convert. The Vatican has not set an exact funeral date, but it is expected within four to six days, likely in St. Peter’s Square, with a simplified ceremony per Francis’ wishes for humility—no glass box or elevated platform, just an open wooden coffin. His body may be displayed for public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday, drawing mourners worldwide.
Trump’s decision is historic, as he’ll be the first sitting U.S. president to attend a papal funeral since George W. Bush in 2005 for Pope John Paul II. Earlier today, Trump ordered U.S. flags at half-staff until the day of interment, calling Francis “a very good man who loved the world, especially people having a hard time.” At the White House Easter Egg Roll, he told Catholics, “We love you all, we’re with you,” noting their strong support in the 2024 election.
The move has stirred debate due to Trump’s rocky history with Francis. The pope criticized Trump’s 2016 border wall plan as “not Christian,” prompting Trump to retort that Francis was a “tool of the Mexican government” and weak on ISIS threats to the Vatican. They clashed on climate change and nationalism, with Francis opposing Trump’s “America First” stance and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords. Their sole meeting in 2017 was described as “fantastic” by Trump, though ideological gaps remained. Melania, a Catholic, received a blessed rosary from Francis during that visit.
X is ablaze with reactions. Some, like @STabbytosavit, shared the news neutrally, while @amys_bus_ticket called Trump’s attendance an “abomination,” questioning his welcome. Others, like @LOB2065, hoped the next pope might snub him. Supporters praised Trump’s gesture, with @Nevergi95414627 highlighting his respect for Francis’ legacy.
The funeral will draw global leaders, faith figures, and mourners, reflecting Francis’ 12-year legacy of compassion, reform, and advocacy for the marginalized. Vance, who met Francis on Easter Sunday, called his COVID-era homily “beautiful,” despite their immigration policy disputes. The Vatican’s next steps include a papal conclave to elect a successor, ushering in a new era for the Catholic Church.
As Rome prepares for a global spotlight, Trump’s presence—alongside Melania’s—adds a layer of intrigue to an already momentous occasion. Will this be a diplomatic bridge or a flashpoint? Follow X for updates on this unfolding story.
