President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump announced on Monday that they will be attending the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away in Rome at the age of 88. The President made this announcement via his account on Truth Social, sparking a wave of reactions across international media and social networks. "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. We look forward to being there!" Trump stated.
The death of the Argentine pope has deeply moved both the Catholic community and the political world. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis succumbed to a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure, with the diagnosis confirmed through an echocardiogram. This official statement was signed by Andrea Arcangeli, head of the Vatican City State's Department of Health and Hygiene.
In the aftermath of his death, the Vatican released Pope Francis' spiritual testament, drafted in 2022, wherein he expressed his wish to be laid to rest in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a significant place he visited before and after each Apostolic Journey. "I ask that my mortal remains rest in anticipation of the day of Resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major," wrote the pontiff, requesting a simple grave with no decoration, bearing only the inscription Franciscus.
The burial site will be positioned between the Pauline Chapel (Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel, funded by a donation from a benefactor as instructed to Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas.
Following traditional Vatican protocol after the death of a pope, the residences occupied by Pope Francis, including the one at Casa Santa Marta and the historic papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace, were sealed on Monday. These closures, marked with red tape and wax seals, ensure the preservation of the deceased pope's documents and personal belongings.
Francis was elected in 2013 as the 266th pope in the history of the Catholic Church. However, the papal narrative has historically been a subject of debate. A notable instance is Stephen II, elected in 752, who passed away from a stroke just four days post-election and before his consecration as bishop. Over the centuries, his inclusion in official lists has fluctuated, creating controversies regarding the accurate numbering of pontiffs.
The funeral of Pope Francis is expected to draw heads of state, religious leaders, and thousands of faithful from around the world. The confirmed attendance of Donald and Melania Trump emphasizes the diplomatic significance of the event. Pope Francis will be remembered as the first Latin American pope and a global leader who reformed the papacy with a pastoral approach.
Key Questions About Pope Francis' Funeral and Legacy
What caused Pope Francis' death?
Pope Francis died due to a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure, as confirmed by an echocardiogram.
Where will Pope Francis be buried?
He expressed the wish to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in a simple grave, marked only with the name Franciscus.
Why is the attendance of Donald and Melania Trump significant?
Their attendance highlights the diplomatic importance of the event, as it draws global leaders and emphasizes international relations.