President Donald Trump confirmed Monday in a Truth Social post that he will attend Pope Francis‘s funeral alongside his wife, First Lady Melania Trump.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump posted late Monday, after hours of speculation over whether the president would attend the service.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment.
Why It Matters
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died early Monday morning following complications from a prolonged illness. His funeral—expected to take place in the coming days—will draw world leaders, religious figures and citizens reflecting on his legacy of compassion and reform.
Francis served as pope for more than a decade, becoming a symbol of progressive thought within the Catholic Church and a vocal advocate for the poor, the environment and displaced people. His death has prompted mourning across continents and among political, spiritual and civil society leaders.
Pope Francis waves to the faithful during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 5, 2025, in Vatican City. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White…
Pope Francis waves to the faithful during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 5, 2025, in Vatican City. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025, in Washington.
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What To Know
Trump’s trip to the Vatican will mark a rare moment in diplomatic history, as he will be the first sitting U.S. president to attend a papal funeral since President George W. Bush attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
Earlier on Monday, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late pontiff, though at the time he was uncertain whether he would travel to Rome.
“I don’t know yet. We’re going to be briefed on it right now,” Trump told reporters during the White House Easter Egg Roll. Asked if he wanted to attend, he said, “Well, I don’t know. I just have to look at the timing. We just lowered the flags.”
Reflecting on Francis’ legacy, Trump added: “He’s a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that’s good with me.”
Despite past tensions with Pope Francis over immigration policy, Trump said he supports the pontiff’s emphasis on compassion for migrants: “Yeah, I do, I do,” he said.
In a post on Truth Social, ahead of his remarks at the Easter Egg Roll, Trump wrote: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
The Holy See confirmed that, per the late pontiff’s wishes, he will not be buried in the traditional tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica but in a more modest setting, reflecting his long-held values of simplicity and humility.
Proclamation Of Mourning
Following the announcement of Francis’ death, the White House issued a presidential proclamation honoring his memory.
“As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Trump wrote, “I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds… until sunset, on the day of interment.”
The order also applies to U.S. embassies, military facilities and naval vessels at home and abroad.
The proclamation, signed April 21, invokes presidential authority and a tradition of honoring global spiritual leaders, mirroring the federal observance declared after the death of Pope John Paul II.
What People Are Saying
Trump in a Truth Social post on Monday: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel: “There’s a death in the family. And people all over the world, especially the Catholic family, are in grief. We miss him already. And we see now, we hear people like you talk about him. We watch TV with all the clips of his different visits and his encounters with people, and it just brings back fond memories.”
Former President Joe Biden, on X, formerly Twitter: “It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased.”
What Happens Next
The Vatican outlined plans for Pope Francis’ body on Monday, announcing that he will be placed in his coffin later that evening. His body could be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday to allow worshippers to pay their respects over a three-day period. The funeral is expected to take place in St. Peter’s Square, weather permitting, with a two-hour service conducted primarily in Latin. It will largely follow the format of a traditional Catholic funeral, with additional papal rites.
Update 4/21/25, 2:31 p.m. ET: This article was updated to include additional information.
Update 4/21/25, 4:10 p.m. ET: This headline and article was updated to include President Trump’s confirmation in a Truth Social post that he will attend Pope Francis’ funeral.