Donald Trump’s participation in the funeral of Pope Francis, to be held at the Vatican, is causing concern within the international community. This is the first foreign trip of Trump’s second presidential term, taking place amid heightened tensions between the United States and key allies due to his “America First” policy, trade tariffs, immigration stance, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and views on NATO, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing The Guardian.
Trump’s previous appearances at international summits were accompanied by conflicts with leaders, including Angela Merkel, and incidents such as pushing the prime minister of Montenegro. Analysts fear similar situations could arise during the funeral.
Relations between Trump and Pope Francis were strained. The Pope criticized Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric surrounding the construction of a border wall. Former President Joe Biden, a Catholic and an ally of the Pope, will also attend, likely highlighting the contrast between them.
World leaders expected to be present include Volodymyr Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—figures with whom Trump has had tense relations. However, some allies such as Giorgia Meloni and Andrzej Duda may offer him diplomatic support.
Thus, the funeral of Pope Francis becomes not only a religious ceremony but also a stage for complex diplomatic interactions.
Earlier we wrote that over 60,000 mourners honor Pope Francis at Vatican.