Pope Francis’ ‘awkward’ meeting with Melania Trump revisited
Pope Francis Dead at 88: Trumps to Attend Funeral Amid Past Awkward Encounter
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, after suffering a stroke and falling into a coma. His death was announced on April 21 by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. In recent years, he had battled several health issues, including respiratory problems and surgeries. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited 68 countries and met many world leaders, including US presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden. He addressed Congress in 2015 during a US visit invited by Obama and met Donald and Melania Trump in 2017 at the Vatican.
The Trumps, who will attend the pope’s funeral, had an awkward moment during their meeting with him. Pope Francis reportedly tried speaking Italian to Melania, who had claimed fluency. However, she didn’t respond until an interpreter stepped in, sparking questions about her true language abilities.
Though Melania has said she speaks five languages—English, Slovenian, Italian, French, and German—she’s rarely been seen using anything other than English and Slovenian in public. According to journalist Mary Jordan, Melania may have exaggerated her skills to enhance her public image.
Regardless, her meeting with Pope Francis was a rare and special moment—one she now joins many others in remembering, as the world mourns the loss of the beloved pontiff.
