As the Vatican prepares for the funeral mass of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend but may find himself in an unfamiliar position—far from the spotlight. Despite being among the first to confirm his attendance, Trump is likely to be assigned a “third-tier seat” among the global dignitaries, a stark contrast to his usual front-and-center presence at international events.
The funeral, set for tomorrow, will see an impressive gathering of global leaders, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. However, Vatican tradition dictates a strict hierarchy for seating arrangements. Catholic royalty, such as members of European royal families, will take precedence in the front row. They will be followed by non-Catholic royals, including Prince William, who is expected to represent the British monarchy. Behind them, world leaders and foreign dignitaries, including Trump, will be seated in a large block on one side of the pontiff’s coffin, opposite the cardinals, patriarchs, bishops, and archbishops.
This arrangement, as reported by The Telegraph, reflects the Vatican’s long-standing protocol for such events. While the official seating chart has yet to be released, sources suggest Trump’s placement will be less prominent than he might expect. The former president has previously expressed disdain for such arrangements, notably mocking his predecessor, Joe Biden, for being seated in the 14th row at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. At the time, Trump claimed Biden’s position signaled a lack of respect for the United States and boasted that he would have secured a more prominent seat had he been in office. Ironically, Trump did not attend the late queen’s funeral, as invitations were limited to current heads of state.
The Vatican’s seating decisions are unlikely to be swayed by Trump’s objections. With a focus on tradition and protocol, the funeral mass will prioritize religious and royal precedence over political stature. For Trump, accustomed to commanding attention, the experience may serve as a humbling reminder of the Vatican’s unique approach to global gatherings.
As preparations continue, the world will be watching—not only to honor the legacy of Pope Francis but also to see how one of America’s most polarizing figures navigates his place on the global stage.
