President Trump announced on Monday that he and first lady Melania Trump would be attending the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, despite their somewhat contentious history with the late leader of the Catholic Church. Traditionally, papal funerals take place four to six days following the Pope’s death, and the funeral is expected to occur before the end of the month. Details regarding the exact date of the funeral will likely be decided during the General Congregation of Cardinals scheduled for Tuesday morning, according to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
In an earlier announcement on the same day, President Trump ordered all American flags on government grounds, including military installations and embassies abroad, to fly at half-staff until sunset Monday in honor of Pope Francis. Trump’s relationship with the Pope over the years was marked by ideological differences and tension, with Pope Francis criticizing Trump’s campaign promise of building a wall along the southern border in 2016. Trump responded by calling the Pope’s remarks “disgraceful” and arguing that the Pope had no right to question someone else’s faith.
During his time as Pope, Francis also criticized increasing nationalistic sentiments around the world, implicitly targeting Trump’s “America First” agenda. The Pope was known for his belief in climate change as a major issue for society, a stance that contrasted with Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords during both his terms in office. President Trump, who is a self-professed Christian but not Catholic, only met with Pope Francis once during his first term, while Joe Biden, a confirmed Catholic, had multiple in-person meetings with the Pope during his presidency.
Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic himself, was among Pope Francis’s last visitors, seeing him on Easter Sunday just one day before the Pope’s passing. Despite their differences in beliefs and ideologies, President Trump’s decision to attend the Pope’s funeral demonstrates respect for the office of the Pontiff. The procession to attend the funeral at the Vatican signifies a moment of unity and reverence for the late Pope, even amidst past disagreements and criticisms exchanged between the President and the Catholic leader.
As news of Pope Francis’s passing reverberated globally, world leaders, including President Trump, expressed their condolences and reactions to the death of the Catholic Church’s spiritual leader. The President’s decision to attend the Pope’s funeral further underscores the importance of honoring the legacy of Pope Francis, despite their differences in opinion on various issues. Melania and President Trump’s attendance at the funeral marks a moment of diplomatic engagement and respect for the traditions and ceremonies of the Catholic Church, as well as paying tribute to the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
