U.S. First Lady, Melania Trump was comforted by her husband, Donald Trump, as she attended Pope Francis’s funeral on her 55th birthday.
On Saturday morning, the First Lady joined the U.S. president in Vatican City for the funeral service, following the death of the Argentine pontiff on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The couple, married for 20 years, held hands as they walked to their seats in St. Peter’s Square, a rare public display of affection.
In accordance with the Vatican’s strict dress code, Melania wore a black blazer, a modest calf-length pencil skirt, simple pumps, and an elegant black lace veil with matching gloves. She completed her somber look with a diamond-studded cross pendant.
Throughout the service, Melania maintained a solemn expression and stayed close to Mr. Trump. Her presence at the funeral was seen as significant in maintaining a delicate balance during the event, which was also attended by President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensk
Speaking to reporters in Washington before their departure, Trump mentioned Melania’s “working birthday,” saying, “She’s going to have a great birthday.”
Biden, 82, was seated two rows behind Mr. Trump during the funeral. Trump revealed he had not been aware that the Bidens would also be attending, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, “Oh he is? I didn’t know.” Asked if he planned to meet with Biden, Trump replied, “It’s not high on my list.”
The Trumps arrived in Rome Friday night, sharing a rare tender moment as they left the White House. Trump wrapped his arm around Melania’s waist before their departure and spoke of plans for a quiet birthday dinner aboard Air Force One. “I’ll take her for dinner on the Boeing. I’ll take her for dinner on Air Force One,” he said, admitting he hadn’t had “much time to buy presents.”
At the funeral, Mr. Trump and Melania stood in the front row among hundreds of foreign dignitaries and royals, with the President given a place of honor.
Today marks another difficult birthday for Melania. Last year, she celebrated her 54th birthday while Trump was embroiled in a hush money trial in New York. Speaking outside the courthouse at the time, he had said, “I want to start by wishing my wife Melania a very happy birthday. Would be nice to be with her, but I’m at a courthouse for a rigged trial.”
This year’s occasion also marks Melania’s first birthday back in the White House after Trump’s re-election victory over Kamala Harris.
Melania has previously spoken fondly about her past meeting with Pope Francis. In 2017, she described her encounter with the pontiff as an experience she would “never forget,” writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Today’s visit with His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex is one I’ll never forget. I was humbled by the honour. Blessings to all.” During that visit, Pope Francis blessed the rosary beads Melania carried, with her representatives later confirming that she is Catholic.
Trump was the first world leader to confirm attendance at the funeral, which drew more than 300,000 mourners.
