Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88.
The president shared the news of his travel plans in a Truth Social post just hours after the announcement of the pope’s passing.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump wrote.
The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican announced early Tuesday.
The pope’s body was placed in a coffin at his residence at Casa Santa Marta on Monday. The Vatican also released the cause of death for the pope as a stroke and heart failure.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, shared the news of his passing in a statement from the Vatican early Monday.
“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 dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Farrell wrote.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor 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 of the One and Triune God,” he added.
The pope’s passing came one day after he was visited by Vice President JD Vance on Sunday.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance posted to X.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vance stated.
