Donald Trump will attend Pope Francis's funeral despite past tensions

Following the announcement of Pope Francis's death at the Vatican on April 22, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention to attend the pope's funeral. Trump, who has had a contentious relationship with Pope Francis, indicated this willingness in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The pope, who was known for advocating for migrants and addressing global issues, had previously been critical of Trump’s immigration policies during his presidency. Despite this past friction, Trump described Francis as a good man who loved the world and noted that he would be honoring his legacy by attending the funeral. The pope, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the leader of the Catholic Church for twelve years, meeting with various world leaders, including Trump, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden during his tenure. His death prompted a broad array of reactions from political leaders across the globe, highlighting the pope's impact on international issues such as climate change and migration. In the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized due to complications from bronchitis and pneumonia, further underscoring the challenges he faced in his declining health. The funeral, expected to occur four to six days after his death, will be a gathering point for world leaders, reflecting on the pope's contributions and reaffirming their own commitments to the causes he championed.