President Trump Attends Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome

President Donald Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, joined by numerous world leaders and dignitaries, though he is expected to be seated in the third row according to Vatican protocol, behind Catholic officials and royalty. The event comes at a tense moment internationally, with Trump’s 'America first' agenda straining relationships abroad and his difficult history with the Vatican, including past criticisms from Pope Francis regarding U.S. immigration policies. The funeral is expected to serve as a diplomatic minefield, as Trump may interact with leaders such as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has a strained relationship. The presence of Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic, is also anticipated, adding another layer of political complexity. Trump described Pope Francis as a 'fantastic kind of a guy,' praising his global outlook ahead of his departure to Rome. The Vatican will host delegations from over 130 countries for the two-hour service honoring the late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday.