Donald Trump is no stranger to controversy—and he’s at it again. As the world prepares to say goodbye to Pope Francis this Saturday, the former president raised eyebrows with a tone-deaf remark that’s set social media ablaze.

Trump announced that he and First Lady Melania will attend the Pope’s funeral in Rome—his first international trip since returning to office in 2025. But instead of a solemn statement, Trump’s words were unusually upbeat:
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”

That last line—“We look forward to being there”—is what set off a firestorm online. Critics immediately slammed the phrasing as bizarre and disrespectful, with one X user (formerly Twitter) joking, “He thinks he’s going to Coachella.” Another wrote, “A funeral isn’t a wine tasting in Vatican City, Mr. President.”

Despite the backlash, Trump did share a more traditional message earlier, writing on Truth Social:
“Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
He also called for U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late pontiff.

A Complicated History

Trump’s relationship with Pope Francis was rocky. While he once praised the Pope as a “humble man” back in 2013, their public feud over immigration policy made headlines during Trump’s first term. After the Pope criticized Trump’s border wall plans in 2016, Trump shot back, calling it “disgraceful” for any religious leader to question a person’s faith.

They did meet face-to-face in 2017 at the Vatican. Trump called it a “fantastic meeting,” but tensions remained. Pope Francis later condemned Trump’s mass deportation efforts, warning that “any policy built on force rather than human dignity begins badly and will end badly.”

Final Tributes

Vice President JD Vance, a practicing Catholic who met with the Pope shortly before his passing, shared a heartfelt message on X:
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
He also recalled one of the Pope’s early COVID-era homilies as especially moving and memorable.

Funeral Details

Pope Francis’ funeral will be held Saturday, April 26 at 10 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square. After the public ceremony, his remains will be taken to Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he previously expressed his wish to be laid to rest.

What Do You Think?

Was Trump’s comment simply a poor choice of words, or does it reflect a deeper disconnect? Is it more important that he attends and shows respect—or that he gets the tone right? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.