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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking a significant moment in their first international trip since the beginning of Trump's second presidential term.
Their visit comes at a poignant time, as Melania celebrated her 55th birthday the same weekend. Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked lightheartedly, "She's got a working birthday," before joking, "I'll take her for dinner on the Boeing. I'll take her for dinner on Air Force One."
Ahead of their departure, Trump spoke warmly about Pope Francis, calling him a "good man" and praising his compassion: "I thought he was a fantastic kind of guy."
Despite their prior disagreements over immigration policies-most notably when Pope Francis described Trump's proposed deportation plans as a "disgrace" back in 2016-the former president emphasized his admiration for the pontiff's kindness and dedication to those in need.
World leaders gather to honor Pope Francis
The funeral, set in the heart of Vatican City at St. Peter's Square, attracted a host of dignitaries and world figures.
Following Vatican protocol, President Trump and Melania were seated alongside other U.S. officials, placed between delegations from Ethiopia and Eswatini based on the French alphabetical order used by the Vatican.
Members of the U.S. delegation included political figures such as Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), and Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.).
Also attending was former President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, alongside a roster of global leaders including U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump confirmed earlier in the week via Truth Social that he and Melania would attend the service, stating: "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!"
He also ordered all U.S. flags on federal buildings and military posts to be flown at half-staff in honor of the pontiff until sunset on the day of the funeral.
Reflecting on Pope Francis' legacy
Pope Francis passed away early Monday at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke. Just a day before his death, he had made a public appearance for Easter celebrations, drawing cheers from tens of thousands of faithful chanting "Viva il Papa" in St. Peter's Square.
Reflecting on his relationship with Pope Francis, Trump told reporters, "He was 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." Their first meeting had taken place during Trump's first term, in 2017.
Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy as a reformist pope who championed compassion, environmental stewardship, and social justice throughout his papacy.
His death comes nearly two decades after the passing of Pope John Paul II, whose 2005 funeral was attended by then-President George W. Bush, alongside former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.
As Trump and Melania return to Washington following the solemn ceremony, the former president will shift his focus back to domestic matters, while the world continues to mourn the loss of a leader whose influence spanned across religious and political boundaries.