Trump preparing to attend Pope Francis’ funeral – NYT

The funeral for Pope Francis is expected to take place within four to six days after his death, though the exact schedule has not yet been finalized.

During the traditional Easter event at the White House today, Trump did not confirm whether he would attend the Pope’s burial ceremony.

"I don’t know yet. We’re going to be briefed on it right now … I just have to look at the timing," he said.

Honoring Pope Francis

Trump also spoke warmly about Pope Francis, whom he met during his first term as President in 2017.

“He was a very good man who loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time, and that’s good with me,” the US President said.

Trump also announced he had ordered US flags across the country to half-staff in honor of the Pope.

In 2005, then-President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II, who died while in office.

Death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

Later in the evening, the Vatican confirmed the official cause of death. Pope Francis died of a stroke. He fell into a coma shortly after. The medical report was released by Professor Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State.

The funeral of the pontiff will follow procedures outlined in a special Church document. Notably, Pope Francis had expressed his wish to be buried in one of Rome’s four major basilicas — specifically, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.