Former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden led the tributes to Pope Francis, who passed away at 88. Trump, who had a complex relationship with the late pontiff, shared a post on social media expressing his condolences and announced that he would travel to Rome with First Lady Melania Trump to attend the funeral. The date for the funeral remains unconfirmed, and it is unclear if the visit will coincide with Trump’s previously planned trip to Italy following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In honor of Pope Francis, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and federal properties worldwide. During an Easter event, he praised the Pope, saying, “He was a good man, he worked hard and loved the world.” Trump also posted a message on social media, stating, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
President Biden, the second Roman Catholic U.S. president, also paid his respects, describing Pope Francis as “unlike any who came before him.” He emphasized the Pope’s lasting impact, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time, and I am better for having known him.” Biden shared a photo of himself with Pope Francis as part of his tribute.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a fellow Catholic, expressed his sorrow, stating he was “saddened” by the loss and joining Catholics worldwide in prayer for the Pope’s soul and the Catholic Church’s transition.
Top congressional leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, also honored the Pope. Schumer remembered the Pope’s “compassion and love for the less fortunate,” while Jeffries recalled Pope Francis’ 2015 address to a joint session of Congress, describing it as a “triumphant, bipartisan” moment. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the 2024 election, called Pope Francis “a visionary leader” who “dedicated his life to service and justice.”
This outpouring of tributes underscores the Pope’s global influence and the deep respect he garnered, even among those with differing political views.
