Melania Trump was comforted by her husband, President Donald Trump, as she attended the funeral of Pope Francis on her 55th birthday in Vatican City. The Trumps, married for 20 years, walked hand-in-hand to their seats in St. Peter’s Square—a rare public display of affection.
Dressed in traditional mourning attire, Melania wore a black blazer, modest skirt, lace veil, gloves, and a diamond cross pendant, in keeping with Vatican protocol. She remained composed and solemn throughout the service, which drew over 300,000 mourners, including world leaders like Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking before the trip, Trump called it a “working birthday” for Melania, saying she would still “have a great birthday.” He also revealed plans for a quiet dinner aboard Air Force One, joking he hadn’t had much time to buy her a gift.
The Trumps arrived in Rome Friday night, sharing a rare tender moment as they departed the White House. At the funeral, they sat in the front row among foreign dignitaries and royalty, with Trump receiving a place of honor.
Biden, who was seated two rows behind Trump, was not expected to meet with him. Trump told reporters, “It’s not high on my list.”
This marks Melania’s first birthday back in the White House following Trump’s re-election. Last year, she spent her birthday while Trump faced trial in New York. At the time, he said he wished he could be with her.
Melania has previously expressed deep respect for Pope Francis. In 2017, she called their meeting “unforgettable” and shared that the pontiff had blessed her rosary beads. Her representatives later confirmed that she is Catholic.
Trump was the first world leader to confirm attendance at the pope’s funeral, which followed the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday at age 88.