Melania Trump and Donald Trump were among the hundreds of thousands who said their final goodbyes to Pope Francis on Saturday. After serving as pope for 12 years, Francis became the first pontiff in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican, fulfilling his personal wish. Donald Trump, however, drew attention for wearing a blue suit rather than traditional black, a choice that sparked considerable discussion. Melania Trump, by contrast, opted for a more traditional appearance, though her decision to wear a veil also became a point of conversation.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after battling several health issues. His body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, giving mourners the opportunity to pay their last respects before his funeral took place. Born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was widely admired for his progressive vision for the Catholic Church’s future. He notably rejected the trappings of papal wealth, choosing to live in a modest two-room guesthouse, Domus Sanctae Marthae, rather than the luxurious papal apartments. He also declined to accept the Church’s monthly salary of $32,000.

Unlike his predecessor Benedict XVI, who resigned in an unprecedented move not seen in 600 years, Francis made it clear he never considered stepping down. In an interview with CBS, he reflected, “Maybe if the day comes when my health can go no further… But it never occurred to me.” In his 2024 book Life: My Story Through History, co-written with Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, Francis indicated that if he ever resigned, he would take the title “bishop of Rome emeritus” and would serve humbly at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Even as health difficulties mounted, Francis maintained his commitment to his papacy. “Fortunately, I have never thought of resigning, despite moments of difficulty,” he wrote, adding that some people may have expected it after his hospital stays, but he continued to feel strong enough to serve.

The funeral of Pope Francis drew an estimated 400,000 mourners to the streets of Rome and more than 250,000 inside St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista praised Francis as a leader who “touched minds and hearts” and “built bridges, not walls.” A long list of global leaders and dignitaries attended, including Donald and Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, French President Emmanuel Macron, and King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.

In accordance with his final wishes, Pope Francis’s remains were buried not within the Vatican, but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He had requested a simple grave in the earth between the Pauline and Sforza Chapels, with only the name “Franciscus” engraved. He also arranged for the burial expenses to be covered by a benefactor’s donation to the Basilica.

Donald and Melania Trump’s appearance at the funeral sparked further media discussion, particularly Donald’s choice to wear a blue suit, which some criticized as disrespectful. Melania, on the other hand, adhered closely to Catholic tradition. She wore an all-black ensemble designed by Dolce & Gabbana, consisting of a double-breasted coat, a black mantilla veil, and gloves.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, Melania’s choice of Dolce & Gabbana was fitting given her long-standing appreciation for the brand and its cultural ties to Italy. Photographer Régine Mahaux commented, “She’s always had a great relationship with Dolce & Gabbana. She is a very faithful person and has been wearing their outfits for a long time.”

Melania’s black lace mantilla veil, worn as a mark of respect, caught particular attention. The Catholic tradition views the mantilla as a symbol of humility, an emulation of the Virgin Mary, and a recognition of the woman’s role as a life-bearer. Observers noted Melania’s visible solemnity during the funeral, as she closed her eyes in prayer several times.

Online reactions to Melania’s attire were largely positive, with many praising her display of “ultimate class and reverence.” Some even compared her appearance to that of Jacqueline Kennedy, noting the elegance and tradition she brought to the solemn occasion. However, a few critics surfaced, questioning her choice of wearing high stiletto heels, arguing it wasn’t suitable for such a somber event.

Meanwhile, a long-standing conspiracy theory about Melania Trump having a body double resurfaced following the couple’s trip to Rome. The chatter began when the X account “Call to Activism” posted a video of the Trumps walking to their helicopter, suggesting Melania looked different than usual.

Several commenters speculated that a stand-in might have accompanied Donald Trump instead of the former First Lady. Some pointed out the flat shoes Melania wore as being uncharacteristic, while others claimed differences in facial features or body language.

Body language expert Dr. Beth Dawson weighed in during an interview with the Mirror, stating that although anything is possible, it’s highly unlikely that a body double was used. “Theories like these often have little to no credible evidence and are largely based on anecdotal observations,” Dawson explained. She also noted that changes in makeup, hair styling, or simply aging can dramatically affect a person’s appearance, especially for someone in the public eye.

Dawson added that the public’s skepticism is understandable in today’s world, where digital manipulation is rampant, but emphasized that natural aging and styling choices are much more likely explanations than elaborate conspiracies.

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