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U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania arrived in Rome on Friday evening ahead of the papal funeral. On Saturday, April 26, they paid their last respects to Pope Francis at a solemn ceremony held at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Trump and First Lady Melania Join Mourners in Rome

The couple joined approximately 50 dignitaries and world leaders — including monarchs, heads of state, and thousands of citizen mourners — gathered in the square outside the historic basilica.

Among the prominent figures in attendance were:

• Prince William, representing the British royals
• King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
• French President Emmanuel Macron
• King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

A Birthday and a Funeral 

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Melania Trump, who traveled on her 55th birthday, wore traditional all-black mourning attire, complete with a funeral veil. President Trump acknowledged the unusual birthday circumstances during remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One.

“She’s got a working birthday,” he told the press as the presidential jet departed for Europe.

“I haven’t had time to buy presents, it’s been pretty busy,” he said. When asked whether he would celebrate with his wife, he replied, “I’m taking her for dinner on the Boeing; I’m taking her for dinner on Air Force One.”

After attending the funeral, President Trump boarded the plane just an hour after the Pope’s burial to participate in peace talks with European leaders in Rome. 

The trip also came as Trump approached the 100-day mark of his second term, a period marked by ambitious efforts to secure deals on tariffs and international trade.

Melania’s Catholic Faith

First Lady Melania is notable for being the first practicing Catholic in her role since Jackie Kennedy. Sources close to the family told People magazine that Melania remains deeply religious, particularly after the passing of her mother, Amalija Knavs, in January 2024.

“Her religion has continued to play a large role in her life, helping her deal with grief,” sources noted.

Despite the somber occasion coinciding with her birthday, Melania was said to be "honored" to attend the papal funeral. “She respected the Pope," a social source told People. "It is a sad time for Catholics around the world, and the first lady is honored to go to the funeral."

Upon the announcement of Pope Francis’s death, President Trump posted on Truth Social:  "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"

He also ordered all flags in the United States to be flown at half-staff until the day of the funeral. Later, Trump praised Pope Francis as "a good man [who] worked hard and loved the world."

For further details, you can read People’s coverage of the event.