ROME (AP) — On Saturday, President Donald Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, sitting prominently in the front row among over 50 global leaders and dignitaries. The funeral, held for the late pope who passed away at the age of 88, took place on a clear morning, highlighting the significant gathering of international representatives, despite the contrasting views between Trump and the pope on various issues.
Accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, the couple set themselves apart in a sea of black attire; Trump wore a dark blue suit complemented by a lighter blue tie, while Melania donned a black dress and veil, embodying a respectful demeanor suited for the solemn occasion. Notably, Trump identified as a "nondenominational Christian," while his wife is a practicing Catholic. Together, they paid their respects to the late pontiff at his wooden coffin, reflecting on the pope’s legacy.
During his eight-hour visit to Italy, Trump prioritized diplomacy, holding a brief private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inside St. Peter's Basilica before the funeral. The encounter marked a significant moment for both leaders, as it was their first face-to-face meeting since a contentious Oval Office discussion in February regarding Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia that began in February 2022.
Trump's presence at the funeral sparked interest, particularly his seating arrangements alongside Estonian President Alar Karis and close to French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite previous tensions with Pope Francis, who publicly disagreed with Trump's policies on immigration and climate change, Trump later referred to the pope as a "good man" and "fantastic kind of guy" in the wake of his death, suggesting a move towards reconciliation following their earlier disputes.
As the Trumps participated in the funeral, they were occasionally seen holding hands, with Trump affectionately kissing Melania on the cheek during the Sign of Peace. Later, they engaged in conversation with Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, further emphasizing the high-profile nature of their attendance at this significant event within the Catholic Church.
Seated behind the Trumps were former Democratic President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, representing the other side of American politics. When asked if he intended to meet Biden during his stay in Italy, Trump dismissed the notion, indicating it was "not high on my list." This remark underscored the political divide that continues to persist even at ceremonial events of international significance.
In the days leading up to the funeral, Trump had voiced intentions of engaging extensively with world leaders, yet his brief visit did not seem to fulfill these expectations as he departed for the United States immediately following the service. The funeral of Pope Francis not only served as an occasion to honor the legacy of a global religious figure but also highlighted the complex relationships between world leaders navigating a multitude of pressing global issues.
