U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier that morning at the age of 88.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Shortly after news of pope’s death, Trump ordered all federal and state flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect. The proclamation stated that the order was issued “as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis.” Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday.
Speaking at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump praised the late pontiff as “a good man” who “loved the world.” He added, “It’s an honor to do that.”
In an interview with EWTN, Trump addressed Catholics grieving the loss of their spiritual leader, saying, “We love you all, we’re with you.” He also acknowledged the strong support he received from Catholic voters and said, “I feel very badly for them because they loved the pope.”
When asked about the future of U.S. relations with the next pope, Trump expressed optimism, saying he expects the relationship to be “very good.”
Former President Joe Biden also paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him “the people’s pope” and “a light of faith, hope, and love.” In a statement, Biden said the pontiff would be remembered as one of the most influential leaders of our time and praised his lifelong service to the poor and marginalized.
Vice President JD Vance, who recently converted to Catholicism, met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance said. He recalled pope’s moving homily during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it “really quite beautiful.”
Vance also participated in Holy Week events at the Vatican, including Good Friday services and a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Holy Saturday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette, also mourned the pope’s death. In a statement released through the Department of State, Rubio said, “We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May he rest in peace.”
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for more than a decade, was known for his focus on mercy, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the poor and marginalized. Leaders and citizens across the world have been paying tribute to his legacy.