Was It Really Melania Trump at Pope Francis’s Funeral? Conspiracy Theories Stir After Rome Appearance
As the world came together to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, Donald and Melania Trump joined thousands of mourners and global dignitaries in Rome. But amid the solemnity of the occasion, a familiar conspiracy theory reemerged online — some claim the woman at Trump’s side wasn’t Melania at all.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years. Known for his humility and progressive approach, Francis chose a life of simplicity over traditional papal extravagance. He declined a lavish apartment, wore understated clothing, and once joked that he didn’t want to “look like an ice cream man” when asked to wear all-white attire.
Even in his final days, Pope Francis remained close to the people. Just 24 hours before his death, he greeted and blessed crowds in St. Peter’s Square — without the protection of bulletproof glass. The next morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his passing on Vatican TV: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” Per his request, Francis was buried simply at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with a modest tomb marked only “Franciscus.”
On April 26, a massive funeral mass filled St. Peter’s Square, drawing over 100 international delegations. Dignitaries included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prince William, and King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Representing the United States were former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump.
Melania appeared in a respectful black ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana, complete with traditional mourning accessories — gloves and a lace mantilla. The Trumps sat among European royalty and political leaders, maintaining a solemn demeanor throughout the service.
However, shortly after footage surfaced showing the couple boarding a helicopter prior to their departure, online speculation exploded. Internet users questioned whether it was actually Melania seen walking beside Donald, pointing to perceived differences in her posture, gait, shoes, and even the fit of her coat.
Social media users reignited long-standing rumors that Melania sometimes uses a body double — a theory that has circulated since Trump’s presidency. Past speculation has been fueled by occasions where she wore sunglasses indoors, appeared less expressive, or seemed to behave out of character. This time, critics cited missing rings, subtle facial differences, and a younger appearance as supposed “evidence.”
Skeptics questioned whether Melania — widely recognized for her fashion choices — would have worn what they described as an “off-the-rack” coat, while others insisted her usual styling was noticeably absent.
It’s worth noting that Melania Trump previously met Pope Francis during a 2017 visit to the Vatican, an interaction that drew attention for its awkwardness. Despite claims of fluency in Italian, she required a translator, which added to the moment’s perceived discomfort.
As for the current rumor, there is no official confirmation or credible evidence that a stand-in was used. But as is often the case with anything involving the Trumps, speculation online continues to thrive — regardless of facts.
Whether the theory holds any weight or is simply another viral rabbit hole, it reflects how public fascination with the former First Lady remains alive and well. Was it really Melania Trump at the funeral? The internet may not agree, but for now, the only thing certain is that the debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
