Following the passing of Pope Francis, former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania announced their intention to attend his funeral in Rome, despite past disagreements with the late pontiff. The announcement came shortly after news broke of Pope Francis’ death.
Traditionally, memorial services for popes are held within four to six days of their passing; therefore, a public ceremony honoring Pope Francis is anticipated before the month concludes. Vatican communications indicate that a formal meeting, known as the General Congregation of Cardinals, will take place Tuesday morning, where the precise date and time of the funeral service will be finalized.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome,” President Trump stated via his social media platform, Truth Social. “We look forward to being there!”
A Modified Ritual The planned funeral is expected to deviate from established protocols, reflecting changes implemented by Pope Francis himself regarding papal funerals.
President Trump’s decision to travel to Rome for the service followed an earlier declaration that all United States flags – on government properties including military bases and embassies worldwide – would be lowered to half-staff until sunset Monday. This gesture is standard protocol during periods of national mourning.
A Complex Relationship Throughout his time in office, President Trump maintained a complex relationship with Pope Francis, characterized by significant ideological differences and, at times, open tension.
- In 2016, amidst the former president’s presidential campaign, Pope Francis publicly criticized Trump’s proposal to construct a border wall along the southern U.S., describing it as “not Christian.”
- “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,” declared Pope Francis during an interview while traveling to Mexico in 2016, according to a translation provided by the Associated Press.
Trump responded vehemently, asserting that it was “disgraceful” for any religious leader – including the Pope – to question another person’s faith. He further argued that should the Vatican have been targeted by ISIS (a group he frequently referenced), the Pope would have expressed a preference for Trump’s leadership.
Differing Worldviews Beyond the border wall debate, disagreements extended to broader global issues. Pope Francis consistently voiced concerns regarding rising nationalism and advocated for addressing climate change—positions that directly challenged President Trump’s “America First” agenda and his decisions to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords.
Contrasting Presidential Encounters President Trump met with Pope Francis only once during his first term, a stark contrast to Joe Biden, a devout Catholic who engaged in multiple personal meetings with the pontiff throughout his presidency. Notably, J.D. Vance, Vice President Vance and a practicing Catholic, was among the Pope’s final visitors, paying him a courtesy on Easter Sunday – just before Francis’ death.
This story was originally published by Fox News Digital.
