It was a funeral watched by millions. People came to say goodbye to Pope Francis. However, it turned into something bigger and more embarrassing for Donald Trump.
Trump got a front-row seat at the funeral in St. Peter’s Square. He sat there with many world leaders. France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky talked with him. They pushed Trump to meet with Zelensky about the war with Russia. Trump agreed. It was a small victory for peace talks. But the real show came during the funeral itself.
During the homily (a religious speech), Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re gave a strong message. He ensured everyone knew who he was talking about without saying Trump’s name. He said,
“Pope Francis incessantly raised his voice, imploring peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions … ‘Build bridges, not walls,’ was an exhortation he repeated many times.”
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This was not a random comment. It was a clear reminder of Pope Francis’ many disagreements with Trump. In 2016, Francis criticized Trump’s plan to build a border wall with Mexico. The Pope said that people who only build walls and not bridges “are not Christian.” Trump did not like that. He called it “disgraceful” for a religious leader to question his faith. He even said Mexico was “using the Pope as a pawn.” The feud was big news at the time.
Even though Trump and Francis had a calm meeting in 2017, the tensions never ended. Pope Francis kept criticizing Trump’s actions, especially about immigration, climate change, and helping poor people. When Trump returned to office, the bad feelings exploded again. Francis called Trump’s plan for mass deportations “a disgrace,” and Trump’s allies mocked the Pope, pointing at the walls around Vatican City.
Many people think religious leaders should not get political. But history shows that Popes often speak up when they see injustice. Pope Francis believed it was essential to defend migrants, refugees, and the environment. He often said that real Christian values mean helping the poor, not making life harder.
It is important to remember that the Vatican is more than just a church. It is also a small country with its own politics and its own way of influencing the world. When the Pope speaks, millions listen. And when he criticizes someone, it carries weight—even after his death.
Cardinal Re’s words were not just a random Bible lesson. They were a potent reminder that Pope Francis’ message still matters today. This is important now, as Trump is trying to bring even harsher policies into his new presidency.
Featured image via Screengrab
