Trump will join Catholic clergy, Kings and Queen and other world leaders in attendance at the Pope’s farewell.

As SABC News Correspondent in New York, Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports, President Trump and Pope Francis were polar opposites in their worldviews and ideologies. That probably adds an extra layer to the atmosphere in Rome this weekend.

While the late pontiff will be the focus of proceedings, the optics at St Peter’s Basilica will be interesting to observe with Trump in the mix – he’s picked trade fights with countries around the world, disparaged allies and foes alike, including Europe, where tensions persist.

The body language will be of interest to observe among the many European leaders there – Von Der Leyen, Macron, and Starmer among them.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected in Rome after ceasefire negotiations with Russia, mediated by the United States, move slowly with Trump offering Russia territorial concessions including Crimea that Ukraine has balked at.

--Reuters--