Often at odds, President Donald Trump to attend Pope Francis’ funeral ‘out of respect’ | World News

US President Donald Trump is set to join President Droupadi Murmu and other world leaders in Vatican City to pay his respects at the funeral of Pope Francis — a pontiff with whom he publicly and frequently clashed over sharp differences in values, ranging from immigration and climate change to global leadership ideals.Trump, who arrived in Rome with First Lady Melania Trump late on Friday, said he was attending the funeral “out of respect” for the pope, who died on Monday after suffering from multiple ailments at the age of  88. The funeral will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica, with a private burial set for St. Mary Major Basilica.
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.”
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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 Chrian,” according to AP.
Trump called the comment “disgraceful,” adding in a campaign statement that if the Vatican were attacked ISIS, the pope would have “only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been President.”Story continues below this ad
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.Story continues below this ad
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 l. 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.”Story continues below this ad
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 and The New York Times)