On April 21, the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing elicited profound sorrow globally. Leaders from around the world expressed their condolences, including former U.S. President Donald Trump.
His message, posted on Truth Social, commenced with the familiar words: ‘Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!’ He also urged that flags throughout the United States be flown at half-mast in tribute to the pontiff.
However, it was not the condolence message that garnered attention — it was Trump’s upbeat tone when he revealed that he and Melania would be attending the funeral. In his typically optimistic manner, he stated: ‘Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome.
We look forward to being there!’ This announcement triggered a flurry of responses. Critics and commentators on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to react.
The phrase ‘We look forward to being there’ struck many as inappropriately cheerful — more suitable for a festive gathering than a solemn funeral. One user commented, ‘Bold choice of words for a funeral,’ while another quipped, ‘He thinks he’s headed to Coachella, not Vatican City.’
Sarcasm was rampant, with one person tweeting, ‘Maybe he’ll review the wine list while he’s there,’ and another dryly adding, ‘Can’t wait to see what he wears.’ Conversely, some defended his sentiment, emphasizing that attendance and respect were more significant than the wording.
‘At least he’s attending. That’s more than many expected,’ one user remarked, while another pointed out, ‘Tone aside, it’s right that world leaders show up for a man like Pope Francis.’
Their relationship was complex; when Francis was elected in 2013, Trump expressed admiration, tweeting that the new Pope’s humility was commendable — and that it reminded him of himself. It was quintessential Trump: part admiration, part self-congratulatory nod.
However, over the years, ideological differences emerged.
Vice President JD Vance, who shared a more personal connection with Pope Francis, also expressed his condolences. Having met the Pope just a day prior to his passing, Vance reflected on their meeting with deep respect.
‘He was clearly very unwell,’ Vance noted, ‘but I will always cherish a homily he delivered during the early days of COVID. It was truly remarkable.’ As the world readies itself for the official farewell, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s funeral will occur on Saturday, April 26, at 10 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square.
Following the service, his remains will be transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — a modest request he personally made in his final will, favoring it over the customary burial site at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Trump’s visit to Rome will also signify his first official foreign trip since regaining the presidency. Although the former president is unlikely to seamlessly integrate into the solemn events, his presence will undoubtedly attract attention — both for diplomatic reasons and public perception.
As the world prepares to bid farewell to a spiritual leader who frequently confronted political authority with moral insight, Trump’s participation — along with his choice of expressions — serves as a poignant reminder of the distinctive role he continues to occupy on the international stage.
Thus, the question lingers: Was the statement ‘looking forward to being there’ an insensitive misstep, or merely another instance of Trump being, well, Trump? We invite your thoughts — is intent more significant than tone? Or should language always reflect the gravity of the occasion?
