Melania Trump cut a sombre figure as she attended the funeral of Pope Francis wearing a black lace veil. The First Lady joined husband President Donald Trump and royals, dignitaries and leaders from around the world at the Vatican.
Melania, wore all-black for the service along with a lace funeral veil as she travelled to Rome on her 55th birthday. It was previously revealed that Melania, who is the first practicing Catholic in her role since Jackie Kennedy, felt “honoured” to be able to attend. Among the mourners were Prince William, representing the British royal family, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – who received an applause from the crowds as he took his seat.
In scenes beamed around the world, First Lady Melania was seen closing her eyes at numerous points throughout the ceremony as she paid her respects. Viewers watching at home noted her decision to wear the Mantilla Veil as a mark of respect. In the Catholic faith, the wearing of the Mantilla is a symbol of veiling a woman’s physical beauty, so that the beauty of God may be glorified instead. The wearing of a veil for a woman attending Mass is seen generally as a symbol of her modesty and humility before God.
Though some critical viewers questioned Melania’s choice of shoe for the religions event. “Why did Melania wear 8 inch heels to the pope’s funeral? Not appropriate. These people have zero class,” fumed one.
Other fans were more critical of her husband Donald Trump and his choice of a blue suit for the funeral as he stood out from fellow mourners who had turned out in the majority in all black. President Trump and his wife Melania were seated ahead of both the Irish and British delegations.
“Respect? He’s not even wearing a black suit. At least Melania is attending the funeral in all black including a modesty black veil.,” complained one.
“Why isn’t Trump wearing a black suit like everybody else so disrespectful to come to the Pope’s funeral in a light blue suit,” fumed another. Another chimed in: “At least Melania knows how to dress. Trump is a miserable creature. Wearing blue.”
Following the Pope’s death last Monday, more than 250,000 people have paid their respects over three days of public viewing that ended today.
Proceedings got underway at 10am local time (9am BST) and will last for several hours, likely into the early afternoon, with the service taking place at St Peter’s Basilica before a procession moves his body to St Mary Major, a basilica in central Rome the late Pontiff visited frequently during his life.
Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell – the camerlengo or senior Vatican official – has been responsible for carrying out the administrative and financial duties of the Holy See until a new pope takes over.
He had the role of announcing the Pope’s death on Easter Monday, co-ordinating meetings with the cardinals ahead of conclave and ensuring the Sistine Chapel is ready to accommodate them when that process begins in the coming weeks.
The sign of a new pope having been elected will be the emergence of white smoke from a chimney of the Sistine Chapel while, soon after, an announcement in Latin of “Habemus Papam” – meaning “we have a pope” – is made alongside the chosen pontiff’s appearance on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. He has been hailed for his leadership of the Church, proving popular among young people and known for his outreach to those most in need in society.
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