President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are set to attend Pope Francis' funeral. The 45th and 47th president of the United States announced on Monday that he and his wife will be in attendance, and "look forward to being there."
On Truth Social, he wrote, "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!"
© Vatican/Pool/Galazka/Archivio Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori via Getty ImagesDuring his first term, the president and first lady had a private audience with the late pope at the Vatican. Following the visit in 2017, Melania wrote on X, "Today's visit with His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex is one I'll never forget. I was humbled by the honor. Blessings to all."
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday (April 21). His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love the One and Triune God."
Later in the day, Professor Andrea Arcangeli, director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City State, declared that the pope's cause of death was due to a stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
President Trump paid tribute to the 266th pope after his passing, writing on Truth Social: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
© Vatican Pool/Getty ImagesOn Monday, the president shared on Truth Social that "as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis," he had ordered "that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment."
He continued, "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."
The president and first lady hosted the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday. Prior to joining the festivities at the event, President Trump told the attendees, "I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country, all of them, all federal flags and state flags at half mast in honor of Pope Francis," adding, "He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world and it's an honor to do that."
