U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on the 21st (local time).
On the same day, President Trump mentioned in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would attend the funeral taking place in Rome with his wife, Melania, stating, "We look forward to attending." If President Trump visits Italy, it will mark his first foreign trip since taking office in January.
Earlier, President Trump responded to a reporter's question at the White House about whether he would attend the pope's funeral, saying, "I don't know yet. I will be briefed soon," adding, "We need to consider the timing." Regarding the pope, who had previously been in conflict over international issues, he remarked, "He was a good man," and noted, "He worked hard and loved the world."
On the same day, President Trump issued a proclamation ordering the flying of flags at half-staff on public buildings in the U.S. to mourn the pope. Flags are set to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of the funeral at the White House and all public buildings, military bases, and U.S. embassies and consulates.