President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have faced backlash online after making a post about attending the funeral of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell from the Vatican confirmed his death, saying that the Pope died peacefully in the early morning after suffering a stroke that left him in a coma and caused his heart to fail. The Cardinal praised the Pope’s lifelong dedication to God, especially his compassion for the poor and those often ignored by society.
The Vatican has begun a traditional nine-day mourning period, and Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. During this time, the Church will also begin the process of choosing a new Pope, which usually takes around two to three weeks.
As people around the world shared heartfelt tributes, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying he and Melania would be attending the funeral in Rome and that they were “looking forward to being there.”
This comment quickly drew criticism from many who felt the wording was insensitive. People were confused and upset by Trump’s tone, pointing out that no one should say they’re “looking forward” to a funeral. Funerals are meant to be solemn and respectful, not something to get excited about.
One person online wrote, “Who says they’re looking forward to a funeral? That’s just wrong.” Another added, “Funerals are about grief and remembrance, not enthusiasm.” Many agreed that the comment came off as tone-deaf, especially considering the gravity of the Pope’s passing.
Details of the funeral have also been released. The mass will be held at 10 a.m. local time on April 26, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. The Vatican has also shared the late Pope’s final wishes regarding his burial.
As for choosing the next Pope, the process, known as the papal conclave, will soon begin. A few names have already been mentioned as possible successors, but nothing will be officially decided until the conclave ends.
