Washington DC, April 22 (ANI) — United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, following the Pope’s passing on Monday at the age of 88.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump announced on Truth Social.
Pope Francis died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. The Vatican also cited complications from previous respiratory failure, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969. He became the first Latin American Pope on March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
A nine-day period of official mourning will precede the conclave to elect the next Pope.
President Trump offered condolences earlier, writing, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, highlighting the Pope’s compassion and spiritual leadership:
“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis… He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
India has declared a three-day State Mourning — on April 22, 23, and the day of the Pope’s funeral — as a mark of respect.
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