President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that he and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, following the pontiff’s death earlier that day at age 88.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, expressing his condolences and admiration for the late pope.
In a solemn gesture of national mourning, Trump also signed a presidential proclamation ordering all U.S. federal and state flags to be flown at half-staff on April 21, 2025. The order applies to the White House, all government buildings, military posts, and U.S. embassies worldwide, “as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis.”
“He was a good man, worked hard,” Trump said during the White House Easter Egg Roll event. “He loved the world and it’s an honor to do that.”
In a separate Truth Social post, Trump said, “Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
Trump’s announcement marks a rare personal appearance abroad for the president, underscoring the global significance of Pope Francis’ passing. Though not Catholic himself, Trump is a nondenominational Christian and has spoken respectfully of the Church. His wife, Melania Trump, is Catholic and previously met Pope Francis alongside her husband during a 2017 visit to the Vatican.
The couple’s upcoming attendance at the papal funeral highlights a moment of unity for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, as global leaders prepare to honor the spiritual legacy of the first Latin American pope. During his pontificate, Pope Francis was known for his outreach to the poor, his emphasis on mercy, and his efforts to build interfaith dialogue.
Speaking to EWTN at the White House event, Trump extended a message of solidarity to Catholics mourning the pope’s death: “We love you all, we’re with you… I feel very badly for them because they loved the pope.”
Trump also expressed optimism about the future of the Vatican’s relationship with the United States under the next pope, stating that he expects it will be “very good.”
The funeral of Pope Francis is expected to draw numerous world leaders and religious dignitaries. A date has yet to be formally announced by the Vatican, but preparations for the funeral rites have begun as the Church enters a period of mourning.
