Often at odds, Donald Trump attends Pope Francis’ funeral ‘out of respect’

Despite their numerous disagreements, Trump praised Francis as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world.” He ordered US flags to be flown at half-mast in the pope’s honour. “He loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time — and that’s good with me.”

In Photos: Thousands pay final respects to Pope Francis as Vatican open public viewing

Their disagreements, however, had long been on public display even before that.

Sparring: Immigration, human rights, climate

Immigration was one of the most divisive points between the two leaders. In 2016, as a presidential candidate, Trump promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border to curb illegal immigration. In response, Pope Francis declared that anyone who only thinks about building walls “is not Christian,” according to AP.

Trump called the comment “disgraceful,” adding in a campaign statement that if the Vatican were attacked by ISIS, the pope would have “only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been President.”

Francis continued to criticise Trump’s immigration policies throughout his presidency — from mass deportations to the separation of migrant children at the border. In 2019, the pope warned that leaders who close borders “will become prisoners of the walls that they build.”

The two also often clashed on climate change.

Even in the final months of his life, Pope Francis continued to voice concerns about Trump’s policies. In January, he called Trump’s proposed intensification of immigration enforcement a “disgrace.” In a February letter to American Catholic bishops, the pope condemned mass deportations, warning they would “end badly.”

At the same time, he criticised Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for her stance on abortion rights, saying Catholic voters must choose the “lesser of two evils” between her and Trump.

Biden to also attend funeral

Several world leaders — including those from France, Spain, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Hungary — are expected to attend the funeral. One notable presence is former US President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic. Trump, when asked if he would interact with Biden at the funeral, replied, “It’s not high on my list. It’s really not.”

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush will not be in attendance. Bill Clinton’s office also did not respond to enquiries.

Are diplomatic talks likely on the sidelines?

While Trump initially suggested he might hold meetings on the sidelines of the funeral, he later walked back during his flight to Rome. “Frankly, it’s a little disrespectful to have meetings when you’re at the funeral of a pope,” he said aboard Air Force One. adding, “I’ll be talking to people. I’ll be seeing a lot of people.”

Trump indicated any discussions would likely be brief, noting the limited time before his scheduled return to the US after the service. He mentioned the possibility of informal talks at Villa Taverna, the US ambassador’s residence in Rome.

Shortly after landing in Rome, Trump posted on Truth Social urging Ukraine and Russia to hold “very high-level talks” to end their three-year war. He said his envoy, Steve Witkoff, had already met Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Friday and claimed both sides were “very close to a deal.”

(With inputs from AP, The New York Times)