(The Hill) — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will attend Pope Francis’s funeral, following the death of the 88-year-old pontiff on Monday morning.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. We look forward to being there!” Trump said on Truth Social.
The president told reporters earlier on Monday that he was going to be briefed after the traditional White House Easter egg roll on whether he can attend the funeral. When asked if he’d like to attend, he replied, “I don’t know, I just have to look at the timing.”
Trump had signed an executive order to direct all federal and state flags to fly at half-staff in commemoration of Francis, whom he called “a good man” who “loved the world.”
The funeral date is determined by the cardinals but typically takes place between four to six days after the pope’s death. It includes a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where the coffin will be for public viewing in the days before.
Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 took place six days after his death. Then-President George W. Bush and former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, as well as other U.S. dignitaries, attended the funeral.
Following the funeral, Catholic cardinals are then summoned to Rome to take part in what is known as “the conclave,” during which they vote in a secret ballot to select a new pope.
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