President Donald J. Trump has announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The late pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for more than a decade, died following complications from a stroke and heart failure.
President Trump confirmed the trip on Truth Social, stating, “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” The visit will mark President Trump’s first international trip during his second term in office, and it underscores the gravity of the occasion and his respect for the global Catholic community.
Despite political and ideological differences that occasionally surfaced during Pope Francis’s time as pontiff, President Trump offered a gracious and heartfelt tribute. “He was a very good man who loved, loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time,” Trump said. His remarks highlighted the humanity of the pope while recognizing the spiritual leadership he offered to millions around the globe.
As a formal act of mourning, Trump ordered all U.S. flags at federal buildings, military posts, embassies, and ships to be lowered to half-staff until the day of the funeral concludes. The presidential proclamation honors the life and service of Pope Francis and reflects the seriousness with which Trump regards the moment.
Pope Francis’s funeral is expected to be held in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City later this week. The Vatican announced that the funeral arrangements will reflect the pope’s personal wishes for a more modest ceremony. Unlike previous pontiffs, Francis reportedly requested a plain wooden coffin and opted to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, rather than in the traditional Vatican crypt.
World leaders, diplomats, and religious figures from around the globe are expected to attend the service, making it one of the most high-profile funerals in recent memory. For many Catholics and non-Catholics alike, Pope Francis was a global figure whose influence extended far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
While Pope Francis often found himself at odds with some conservative voices due to his progressive stances on issues like climate change and migration, the Trump administration’s attendance sends a clear message of unity and respect during a time of mourning. President Trump’s decision to lead the U.S. delegation himself, alongside the First Lady, signals the importance of honoring the spiritual and cultural legacy of a man who led the Church during a turbulent time in world history.
This visit will not only mark a moment of international diplomacy, but also serve as a reminder that faith, tradition, and reverence for the past still hold deep meaning in American leadership.