In a poignant gathering that reflected the global reach of the Catholic Church, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis at Vatican City on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The ceremony, held outside St. Peter's Basilica, drew world leaders, royals, and thousands of mourners, marking a significant moment in history as the world bid farewell to the beloved pontiff.
Melania Trump, who celebrated her 55th birthday on the same day, wore a somber all-black ensemble complemented by a black lace veil, a traditional symbol of mourning in the Catholic faith. The First Lady, the first practicing Catholic to hold her position since Jacqueline Kennedy, expressed her feelings about the occasion, stating she felt "honored" to attend. A source close to the family shared with PEOPLE, "Meeting the pope eight years ago made the trip to his funeral all the more important."
The funeral Mass, which began at 10 AM local time, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Prince William, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who received applause from the crowd as he arrived.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, passed away on April 21, 2025, following a stroke and heart failure. His death came just hours after meeting with Vice President JD Vance, marking the end of a papacy that often found itself at odds with the Trump administration, particularly over immigration policies.
During his presidency, Trump faced criticism from the pope, who publicly condemned his plans to build a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, stating it was "not Christian." Despite their differences, Trump acknowledged the pope's contributions, calling him "a good man [who] worked hard and loved the world." Following the announcement of Francis's death, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff until the day of the funeral.
Melania Trump’s choice of attire drew attention not only for its elegance but also for the symbolism it carried. The Mantilla veil she wore is traditionally used to signify modesty and reverence, a nod to her Catholic faith. However, her choice of footwear—a pair of towering black stiletto heels—sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some questioning the appropriateness of such footwear for a solemn occasion.
Critics were quick to express their opinions, with one viewer commenting, "Why did Melania wear 8 inch heels to the pope's funeral? Not appropriate. These people have zero class." Meanwhile, others directed their ire toward President Trump, who wore a light blue suit, contrasting sharply with the predominantly black attire of other attendees. "Respect? He’s not even wearing a black suit. At least Melania is attending the funeral in all black including a modesty black veil," lamented another critic.
The funeral service was a culmination of three days of public mourning, during which over 250,000 people paid their respects to the late pope. After the Mass, Pope Francis's coffin was transported through the streets of Rome in an open-air popemobile, allowing the public to pay their final tributes.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Vatican, has been overseeing the administrative duties of the Holy See following the pope's death, coordinating meetings with cardinals ahead of the conclave that will elect the next pope. The conclave is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the election signaled by the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel.
As the world reflects on Pope Francis's legacy, many remember his compassionate outreach and his calls for social justice, which often clashed with political leaders. His passing marks the end of an era, and as leaders from around the globe gather to honor him, the impact of his teachings will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
Melania Trump’s experience meeting Pope Francis during her husband’s first trip abroad as president in 2017 remains a cherished memory for her. At that time, she expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, "Today's visit with His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex is one I'll never forget. I was humbled by the honor. Blessings to all." This sentiment was echoed during the funeral, as she honored his memory on her special day.
As the funeral concluded, the world took a moment to remember the man who led the Catholic Church with a message of love and compassion, leaving behind a legacy that transcends borders and cultures. In the wake of his passing, the global community reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of dialogue and understanding in a world often divided.
