Melania Trump, a ‘Quiet’ Catholic, ‘Admired’ Pope Francis and Has ‘No Issue’ Attending His Funeral on Her Birthday (Exclusive)

Melania Trump, the first lady of the United States, will be commemorating her 55th birthday in Rome as she attends the funeral of Pope Francis. The late pontiff’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, coinciding with Melania’s birthday. It has been disclosed by various sources that Melania, the first practicing Catholic in the position since Jackie Kennedy, maintains a private commitment to her religious beliefs and feels “honored” to be part of the papal funeral, irrespective of the timing. According to a social acquaintance, Melania Trump holds deep respect for the pope and is conscious of the somber mood prevailing among Catholics worldwide during this period.

In 2017, Melania Trump had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis during her and President Donald Trump’s inaugural international trip. On that occasion, Melania presented rosary beads to the pope, an act that was widely perceived as a demonstration of her faith. A confidential source close to the family has indicated that the meeting with the pope several years ago enhances the significance of her attendance at his funeral. The source also mentioned that Melania admired the pontiff, particularly for his universal appeal and the love he garnered from diverse groups of people. Melania’s empathy for children and their well-being also resonated with Pope Francis’s own priorities, creating a shared bond between them.

Since the passing of her mother, Amalija Knavs, in January 2024, Melania Trump has sought solace in her Catholic faith to navigate through the emotional challenges. Her religious convictions, as remarked by a family insider, have been a cornerstone in guiding her through periods of grief and reflection. Though Melania tends to be discreet about her faith in public, a political source reveals that she upholds her religious beliefs earnestly and views attending the funeral not as an obligation but as a solemn duty. Additionally, sources affirm that Melania is at peace with the decision to spend the morning of her birthday at the funeral service, indicating her acceptance of the responsibility that comes with being a prominent figure’s spouse.

Acknowledging the significance of the pope’s funeral in her life, sources close to Melania Trump underscore the rare and profoundly impactful nature of the event for her personally. Melania’s genuine admiration for Pope Francis and their shared values concerning compassion and inclusivity have evidently shaped her perception of the ceremony. Despite the solemnity of the occasion and the global mourning within the Catholic community, Melania Trump’s willingness to participate in the funeral exemplifies her deep-rooted beliefs and her capacity for empathy and respect towards diverse perspectives.

As Melania Trump gathers with world leaders and dignitaries to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the occasion not only represents a formal duty for her as the first lady but also encapsulates a spiritual connection honouring her faith. Melania’s attendance at the papal funeral symbolizes a convergence of personal reverence, diplomatic protocol, and spiritual devotion, illustrating a multifaceted aspect of her role as a public figure with a private faith. The world will be watching as Melania Trump, on her birthday, pays tribute to a global spiritual leader while staying grounded in her own beliefs and values, a testament to the layers of her character and convictions.