As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, former President Donald Trump has announced that he and former First Lady Melania Trump will be traveling to Rome to pay their respects.
The Pope, who passed away following a stroke, made a deep impact globally — and Trump shared that the couple “look forward to being there” in a heartfelt post on social media.
A State Funeral for a Humble Pope
Although Pope Francis requested a modest burial, his passing will be marked by a state-level funeral, as is tradition for a sitting pontiff.
The Vatican has not yet released the official date, but according to custom, the service will take place between four to six days after his death, most likely in the iconic St. Peter’s Square.
Francis, the first Latin American pope, reportedly asked to be buried in a quiet niche at the Papal Basilica — specifically between the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani and the Cappella Sforza.
True to his humble nature, his final wish was for a simple tomb with no decoration and just one word: Franciscus.
Trump Makes Tribute During White House Easter Event
Before heading to Rome, Trump took a moment during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll to honor the late pontiff.
Standing before families and children, he announced that flags would be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis.
“He was a good man,” Trump said. “He worked hard and loved the world.”
His public tribute marked a moment of unity and respect across political and religious lines.
A Familiar Face in Rome Once Again
This trip to the Vatican will be Trump’s first international journey during his second term as president.
But it’s not his first visit to the Vatican — Trump met Pope Francis during his first term back in May 2017.
Over the years, Pope Francis also met with Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, playing a quiet but powerful role on the global political stage.
Vice President J.D. Vance Was Among the Last to Meet the Pope
Interestingly, Vice President J.D. Vance was one of the final world leaders to have a formal meeting with Pope Francis before his death.
The two reportedly met on Easter Sunday, just days before the Pope’s passing.
It’s a moment that now feels more significant, as leaders around the globe reflect on the Pope’s final interactions and messages.
Will Other U.S. Presidents Join the Funeral?
While Trump’s attendance has been confirmed, there’s still no word on whether former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama will also make the trip to Rome.
Back in 2005, when Pope John Paul II passed away, then-President George W. Bush flew to the Vatican alongside former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton — all aboard Air Force One.
Whether we’ll see a similar moment of bipartisan unity this time remains to be seen.