As the world gets ready to say goodbye to one of the most influential religious leaders of our time, former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania have touched down in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
The pontiff, who passed away at age 88 earlier this week, will be laid to rest after three days of global mourning.
Trump is among dozens of high-profile leaders who have flown into Italy for this monumental event.
While he’s used to being at the center of world affairs, this time around, he may not be getting the spotlight seat he’s grown accustomed to.
A Global Gathering of Powerful Leaders
The funeral of Pope Francis is expected to be more than just a spiritual farewell — it’s turning into a major diplomatic event.
Cardinals, royals, heads of state, and dignitaries from around the globe are descending on the Vatican for what is being called a carefully orchestrated ceremony.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who represents Catholics in England and Wales, described the upcoming event as a “masterpiece” of balancing “big egos” — a subtle nod to the complexities of handling so many powerful figures in one place.
Seating Drama: Trump Not Front and Center
Despite being one of the first to RSVP, Trump is expected to be seated in a so-called “third-tier” position — not exactly in the nosebleeds, but definitely not in the VIP section either.
It’s a notable change for someone who’s used to commanding attention.
And it’s not likely to sit well with Trump, especially considering how he once criticized Joe Biden for being placed far from the front at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Back then, Trump claimed it showed “no respect” for the U.S. and boasted that, had he been president, he would’ve secured a more prominent seat.
Where World Leaders Are Sitting and Why
When it comes to who sits where, the Vatican isn’t leaving anything to chance.
Countries are being arranged first by the Pope’s roots — Argentina and Italy will have priority — then by the French alphabetical order of nation names.
Reigning monarchs come next, followed by presidents and other high-ranking officials.
For instance, Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins will sit ahead of both Prince William and the UK government’s delegation due to his status as a head of state.
The British group includes Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, his wife Victoria, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Trump and Melania, on the other hand, will be nestled somewhere between representatives from Estonia and Finland — not exactly a prime spot by his usual standards.
Vatican’s Expertise in Handling Egos
Cardinal Nichols spoke candidly about the Vatican’s long history of managing massive events with global players.
In his words, “They’re geniuses at dealing with these big events,” adding that the team behind the scenes knows how to satisfy world leaders who tend to think quite highly of themselves.
“They’ve been doing this since the days of Roman emperors,” he said, suggesting that every national leader will likely leave feeling reasonably content with their role in the day’s proceedings.
A Funeral with Deep Symbolism and Simple Gestures
After Saturday’s open-air funeral service in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis’ body will be taken through the streets of Rome in a quiet procession — a symbolic departure from previous papal traditions.
Honoring his final wishes, Francis will be laid to rest in a modest underground tomb inside the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
In a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the causes he cared most about, a group of Rome’s poor and needy will be standing at the basilica’s entrance to pay their final respects.
A City on Alert, A World in Mourning
Rome is on high alert as the funeral approaches, with police maintaining tight control over crowds and international media setting up platforms to capture every moment overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
It’s a once-in-a-generation moment — a farewell not only to a Pope but to a man who left a powerful mark on the world through his humility, advocacy, and commitment to social justice.