In a move that underscores both diplomatic protocol and lingering disagreements, former President Donald Trump will be among more than 50 world leaders attending the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday. Despite their well-known differences on issues such as immigration and climate change, Trump has emphasized his attendance as a sign of respect for the late pontiff, who passed away Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.
Arriving in Rome late Friday along with First Lady Melania Trump, the former president made it clear he intended to pay his respects at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where the funeral service will take place. The solemn event will also see the private burial of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica outside the Vatican walls.
The relationship between Trump and Francis has been marked by public disagreements. The Argentine pope and the American president clashed early on, notably in 2016 when Francis criticized the idea of building walls to keep out migrants, calling such efforts “not Christian.” Trump responded sharply, dismissing the comment as “disgraceful.” Yet, in the wake of Francis’s death, Trump expressed admiration, describing him as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world.” Flags across the United States were also flown at half-staff in honor of the pope.
Initially, Trump suggested he would hold multiple meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the funeral. However, as he boarded Air Force One bound for Rome, he appeared to temper those plans. “Frankly, it’s a little disrespectful to have meetings when you’re at the funeral of a pope,” he told reporters. Still, he indicated that he would be engaging with various officials, stating, “I’ll be talking to people. I’ll be seeing a lot of people.”
Among the heads of state expected to attend are leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Hungary, and Argentina. Notably absent is former President Joe Biden, who plans to attend with his wife, Jill. Trump was unaware of Biden’s attendance and downplayed the prospect of a meeting, remarking, “It’s not high on my list. It’s really not.”
The funeral will not serve as a reunion of current and former U.S. presidents, with Barack Obama and George W. Bush not attending, according to their offices. A spokesperson for Bill Clinton also declined to comment on his plans. When asked whether he would meet other leaders more extensively or just in passing, Trump indicated he might hold discussions at Villa Taverna, the U.S. ambassador’s residence, where he spent the night prior to the funeral.
As the world mourns Pope Francis, the gathering of global leaders reflects a moment of both solemn remembrance and the complex diplomatic dance that accompanies such historic occasions.
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