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President Donald Trump announced on April 21, 2025, that he and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
This marks Trump’s first international trip of his second term—an unexpected change from his originally planned May visit to Saudi Arabia.
Funeral Expected Within Days
Pope Francis passed away early April 21 due to complications from a prolonged illness.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed the funeral date, but ceremonies traditionally occur 4–6 days after a pope’s death.
Cardinals are expected to finalize the timing in the coming days.
A Complex Relationship
While Trump and Francis had a contentious past—particularly over U.S. immigration policies—the former president struck a respectful tone in his statement.
He ordered all federal and state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Francis, whom he praised as “a very good man who loved the world.”
Their strained history includes a 2016 moment when Francis criticized Trump’s proposed border wall, prompting Trump to call the pope’s stance “disgraceful.”
However, the two met in 2017 during Trump’s first term, and public tensions have since cooled.
Diplomatic Significance
The funeral will draw global leaders and religious figures, serving as a major diplomatic event for Trump.
Vice President JD Vance—himself a recent convert to Catholicism—met with Pope Francis just hours before his passing.
Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will enter conclave proceedings to elect a new pope.
Takeaway: Trump to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in a moment that marks global unity—and a notable pivot in their once-frosty relationship.
