Melania Trump and Donald Trump were among the hundreds of thousands who said their last goodbyes to Pope Francis on Saturday as he was laid to rest.
Francis, who held the papacy for 12 years, became the first pope in more than a hundred years to be buried outside the Vatican, as per his final wishes. Donald Trump, meanwhile, drew attention relating to his outfit – he wore blue instead of black – amongst other things. Melania, though, kept it more traditional, though the fact that she wore a veil became a subject of discussion.
Pope Francis, who held the papacy for 12 years, passed away on April 21. After lying in state in St Peter’s Basilica, where mourners could bid their last farewells, he was buried on Saturday. The Argentinian-born pope, Jorge Bergoglio, was praised by many for his progressive ideas about the direction the Catholic Church should take in the future.
Additionally, Francis never aspired to be seen as a person of wealth and status. After his election, he declined to use the grand papal apartment on the top floor of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, instead moving into a modest two-room residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, usually used for guests. He also refused to accept the $32,000 monthly salary from the Catholic Church.
Ultimately, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, having battled numerous health issues in his final years. His predecessor, Benedict XVI, actually resigned from office, in a move so rare it hadn’t happened in 600 years. Francis, though, never considered that an option.
“Maybe if the day comes when my health can go no further,” he told CBS. “Perhaps because the only infirmity I have is in my knee, and that is getting much better. But it never occurred to me.”
In the 2024 book Life: My Story Through History,” written by Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, Francis reflected on his life and the possibility of stepping down. In that case, he explained he would, unlike Pope Benedict XVI, use the title “bishop of Rome emeritus” rather than pope emeritus. He further stated that he would live at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major “to serve as a confessor and give Communion to the sick” rather than live inside the Vatican.
Pope Francis dead at 88
“Fortunately, I have never thought of resigning, despite moments of difficulty,” Pope Francis said in the book. “Some people may have hoped that sooner or later, perhaps after a stay in the hospital, I might make an announcement of that kind, but there is no risk of it: thanks be to God, I enjoy good health, and as I have said, there are many projects to bring to fruition, God willing.”
Pope Francis laid in state for three days before his funeral on Saturday, while more than 250,000 mourners attended his funeral. Cardinal Giovanni Battista said during the service in St. Peter’s Square that Francis was a man who “touched minds and hearts” and that he wanted to “build bridges, not walls.”
Many world leaders, royals, and dignitaries attended the service, including Donald and Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and numerous others.
An estimated 400,000 mourners took to the streets of Rome as Pope Francis was transferred in procession to his final resting place, which surprisingly wasn’t in the Vatican. In his will, Francis had specific instructions about where and how he wanted to be buried.
“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial. I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” Francis wrote.
Donald and Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral
“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care. I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.”
Francis continued: “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus. The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.”
As mentioned, Donald and Melania Trump attended the funeral service. Donald Trump received plenty of criticism for not wearing black to the funeral, with some labeling his decision disrespectful.
Melania, meanwhile, wore an all-black outfit for the service. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the outfit was from the Italian designer label Dolce & Gabbana. The First Lady’s outfit was a double-breasted coat paired with a black mantilla and black gloves. The Italian fashion giant appears to be a popular choice for Melania; she has worn Dolce & Gabbana several times in the past.
“She’s always had a great relationship with Dolce & Gabbana. She is a very faithful person and has been wearing their outfits for a long time. It made sense to chose them given the place of religion in Italian culture,” photographer Régine Mahaux told WWD.
Significant detail in Melania Trump’s outfit
Besides her black outfit, Melania also wore a lace funeral veil, also known as a Mantilla Veil, as a mark of respect. The reason behind the Mantilla lies in the Catholic faith. According to the Catholic Company, it is “often worn by faithful women as a way of emulating Mary, who is the archetype of humility.” Moreover, the mantilla “signifies the role of women as a life-bearing vessel.”
Melania was seen closing her eyes several times during Pope Francis’s funeral service as she paid her respects. Online, several people noticed her wearing the veil and praised her for it.
“Ultimate class and reverence, Melania Trump wearing a Mantilla Veil,” one user wrote on X, per Express, while a second added: “Melania was perfect this time by wearing black and a mantilla.”
A third stated: “First Lady Melania Trump honored Pope Francis with a stunning black lace veil and elegant attire at his funeral, reflecting her deep appreciation for the moment. Her attire not only paid homage to her own Catholic faith but also echoed the iconic style of Jacqueline Kennedy, making it a significant fashion statement.”
However, though Melania was praised by many, there was also criticism. One pointed out that the First Lady was wearing black stiletto heels, which weren’t the best choice for the occasion.
“Why did Melania wear 8-inch heels to the pope’s funeral? Not appropriate. These people have zero class,” the person wrote.
‘Body-double’ conspiracy about Melania Trump resurface
While Saturday was, of course, a sorrowful occasion, for the First Lady it also marked a day of celebration. April 26 was Melania Trump’s 55th birthday; the day before the funeral, Donald Trump revealed the birthday plans.
“I’ll take her to dinner on the Boeing, I’ll take her for dinner on Air Force One,” he told reporters. “I haven’t had much time to buy presents. I’ve been pretty busy. But it’s working out. People are starting to understand how good tariffs are … for us.”
Social media was filled with all sorts of pictures and videos of Donald Trump and Melania Trump on the trip to Rome. One ongoing theme, or conspiracy theory, is that Melania Trump has a body double.
The outlandish idea resurfaced last week when X-account ‘Call to Activism’ posted a video of Melania and Donald walking to their helicopter shortly before departing the US for Rome. The video was captioned: “What do you notice about the way Trump and Melania just walked to the helicopter today?”
Many commented on the picture, with some of the opinion that it was possibly an impostor in Melania’s shoes, not the First Lady herself.
“Melania never wears flat shoes either… I’m betting that this is the fake body double Melania because the real Melania did not want to have to go and stay with Trump overseas for the entire trip,” one person wrote.
Body language expert says it’s “unlikely”
Another user simply said: “Fake Melania,” while a third stated, “Look at her face That’s NOT Melania.”
So, what is true, and what is not? In an interview with the Mirror, body language expert Dr Beth Dawson discussed the body double conspiracy.
“The notion of her body double gained traction after certain public events where some observers noted differences in Melania’s appearance, such as changes in facial features or mannerisms. Everything is possible, but it’s unlikely,” Dawson said. “These theories often have little to no credible evidence and are largely based on anecdotal observations or selective interpretations of photos and videos.”
The body language expert added: “People also tend to think they know people in the public eye, but the reality is very different. The public cannot really know what’s going on in Melania’s private life. The reason people speculate is very much linked to themes such as authenticity and public representation. And especially in this era of AI where things can be easily manipulated, the public is wary and sceptical.”
“Like everyone, Melania Trump has naturally aged since she became a public figure,” Dr. Beth Dawson concluded. “Changes in skin, hair, and facial contours are normal as people grow older, and these changes can impact one’s overall appearance. The use of makeup, hair styling, and fashion choices can significantly alter a person’s appearance. High-profile individuals often work with professional makeup artists and stylists who create looks that may differ from what one would normally see in casual settings.”
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