Donald Trump Likely to Have “Third-Tier” Seat at Pope Francis’ Funeral Despite Early RSVP

Despite being one of the first to confirm his attendance, Donald Trump is expected to have a “third-tier” seat at Pope Francis’ funeral Mass. Trump, who is used to being at the center of major global events, likely won’t have a prominent spot when he arrives at St. Peter’s Basilica tomorrow morning. Final preparations are underway at the Vatican, but the official seating chart has not yet been released.

Around 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs are set to attend the service. However, tradition dictates that front-row seats will be reserved for Catholic royalty.

According to The Telegraph, foreign dignitaries will likely be seated in a large section on one side of the coffin, opposite Catholic Church leaders such as cardinals, patriarchs, bishops, and archbishops. Catholic royals are expected to occupy the front row, followed by non-Catholic royals like Prince William. Behind them will be world leaders, heads of state, and other dignitaries.

Trump may not be happy with his spot, especially given that he previously mocked President Joe Biden for being seated near the back during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral three years ago. At the time, Trump argued that Biden’s 14th-row seat reflected a lack of respect for the United States and claimed that if he were president, he would have been seated closer to the front among the 2,000 mourners.

Trump himself did not attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, as invitations were reserved for sitting heads of state.