At the funeral of Pope Francis, held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, the seating arrangement for dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, has garnered significant attention. Despite his prominent global status, Trump is expected to be seated in the third row, a placement that has surprised many observers.
Diplomatic Protocols and Seating Arrangements
The Vatican follows a specific protocol for seating at papal funerals. Monarchs are given precedence, followed by heads of state, with the order determined by the French alphabetical listing of countries, as French remains the diplomatic language of the Holy See. This means that leaders from countries like the États-Unis (United States) are seated based on their French names, placing Trump closer to the altar than some others, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Former U.S. President Joe Biden, although attending, will not be seated with the official delegation, reflecting diplomatic nuances.
Trump’s Relationship with Pope Francis
The relationship between Pope Francis and President Trump has been marked by ideological differences. Francis championed compassion for migrants and simplicity, while Trump promoted nationalism and economic elitism. Despite these differences, their first and only meeting in 2017 included a light-hearted moment involving a Slovenian pastry, easing months of public tensions. Francis consistently criticized Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration and the environment, questioning their alignment with Christian values. Nonetheless, Trump sought the meeting early in his presidency, likely acknowledging the pope’s global influence.
Public Reaction and Speculation
News of Trump’s expected seating position has led to public speculation. Some suggest that the placement could potentially bruise his ego, especially considering his previous comments mocking President Biden’s seating at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Observers have noted that Trump, known for his assertive demeanor, might react unpredictably to the seating arrangement. However, the Vatican’s adherence to established protocols leaves little room for adjustments based on individual preferences.
Donald Trump to Attend Pope Francis’s Funeral—But Not in the Front Row
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. While many dignitaries from around the world will be in attendance, including monarchs and current heads of state, Trump’s seating position has garnered unusual attention.
Surprise Over Trump’s Seating
In a move that has sparked online discussion, Trump will reportedly be seated in the third row during the ceremony. The arrangement may come as a surprise to many, particularly given Trump’s past reactions to protocol-related seating decisions. During his presidency and beyond, Trump has been vocal about perceived slights during official events, including instances when he believed he was not given a position of proper prominence. This time, however, the Vatican has explained that seating at the funeral follows a specific and longstanding protocol: dignitaries are seated in alphabetical order of their country’s name in French. This means representatives from countries like Afghanistan and Brazil will be seated ahead of the U.S., regardless of their political status or past relationships with the Vatican.
A Global Gathering of Leaders
The funeral is expected to be one of the largest global gatherings in recent years. Over 130 international delegations are scheduled to attend, including more than 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. The event will be steeped in ritual and tradition, with the funeral mass held in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square and the burial to follow in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as per Pope Francis’s own wishes. Security in Rome has been significantly heightened in anticipation of the event, with streets near the Vatican being closed off and thousands of police and military personnel deployed.
Trump and Pope Francis: A Complicated Relationship
While Donald Trump and Pope Francis had moments of cordiality during Trump’s presidency, their relationship was far from seamless. The two clashed publicly over several key issues, most notably immigration, climate change, and economic inequality. Pope Francis, known for his progressive stance on global social issues, was often critical of nationalist politics, a hallmark of Trump’s time in office. In 2016, the Pope even suggested that building walls instead of bridges was “not Christian”—a clear allusion to Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico. Despite these ideological differences, Trump accepted the Vatican’s invitation to attend the funeral. Sources close to the former president say he views the event as an important moment of global unity and respect for a religious leader who commanded worldwide admiration.
Conclusion
President Trump’s seating at Pope Francis’s funeral underscores the Vatican’s commitment to diplomatic protocols over individual prominence. While the arrangement has sparked discussions, it reflects the structured approach the Holy See takes in organizing such significant events. The funeral serves as a moment of unity and reflection, transcending political and personal differences.
