Trump, accompanied by wife Melania, will attend Pope Francis’ funeral later this week to honor the late Pope’s legacy.
President Donald Trump has announced that he and his wife, Melania, will attend the funeral of Pope Francis this week in Vatican City.
The pope passed away early on Monday at the age of 88, and his funeral is set to take place within the next few days.
Trump confirms attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral with wife Melania later this week
Trump confirmed their attendance on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He wrote, “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”
In addition to announcing their attendance, Trump ordered that all U.S. flags at government buildings, military posts, and naval vessels be flown at half-staff.
This order will remain in effect until sunset on the day of the pope’s burial, showing respect for the late pontiff.
Timing of Pope Francis’ funeral
The Vatican has confirmed the date for Pope Francis’s funeral, which will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Pope Francis peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on April 21 due to a cerebral stroke and heart failure.
His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing starting Wednesday morning.
Many people from around the world are expected to attend this important farewell.
The funeral Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and a procession will follow, concluding in the sacred square of St. Peter’s.
The funeral of Pope Francis marks a significant event, as it follows the traditions established by previous papal funerals.
For example, former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
They were accompanied by then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other former presidents, including Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.
Trump’s initial response to Pope’s death
Shortly after the pope’s death on Monday morning, Trump responded to reporters’ questions about whether he would attend the funeral.
He stated, “I don’t know yet,” indicating that he was still assessing the situation and timing.
He mentioned that he would be briefed on the details shortly.
Trump makes comments on Pope Francis
When asked how he would remember Pope Francis, Trump expressed admiration for the late pope.
He remarked, “He was a very good man who loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time, and that’s good with me.”
The full U.S. delegation attending Pope Francis’s funeral is anticipated to be announced later this week.
The delegation will include political leaders and dignitaries, highlighting the event’s global significance.
Predecessor’s resignation and legacy
Pope Francis’s immediate predecessor, Benedict XVI, resigned from the papacy in February 2013, a rare occurrence in church history.
Benedict passed away on New Year’s Eve 2022, almost a decade after stepping down.
The contrast between the two popes highlights the evolving nature of the papacy and the challenges faced by the Catholic Church.