Donald Trump 'not in front row' at Pope Francis' funeral

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Donald Trump is anticipated to be seated in the third row at Pope Francis's funeral this Saturday. While official details are yet to be disclosed, Vatican protocol indicates that world leaders, including the US president, won't be occupying the front rows at St Peter's Basilica.

The US President was among the first to confirm his attendance at the pope's funeral following his passing on Easter Monday. However, he may find himself seated behind Catholic dignitaries and royals, including the Prince of Wales, at this weekend's ceremony.

Despite the expected presence of numerous world leaders and significant figures in Rome this Saturday, with 130 delegations set to honour the late pontiff, a hierarchical seating arrangement could stir up some backstage drama.

While an official seating plan hasn't been made public, the 2005 funeral of Pope John Paul II saw heads of state clearly positioned in the basilica's third row, a detail that could potentially bruise Trump's ego, reports the Express.

The US leader will be sat among other politicians, who are expected to be seated in alphabetical order. President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Táinaiste Simon Harris will represent Ireland at the funeral.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are also expected to attend.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also be at the funeral. Trump and Zelensky have had difficulties in their relationship after a tense meeting in the White House earlier this year.

The US President also accused the Ukrainian leader of being an obstacle to peace in the Russia Ukraine war earlier this week.

Pope Francis' funeral is expected to be a two-hour service. The 88 year old Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday from a sudden stroke after a long battle with pneumonia.

Some of the Pope's final words were a heartfelt expression of thanks to the nurse who had looked after him during his recent period of ill-health.

Pope Francis thanked Massimiliano Strappetti, who had stayed by him in Rome's Gemelli Hospital and kept a constant vigil during his last weeks at home in the Vatican.

Strappetti was with The Holy Father on Sunday as he greeted crowds of the faithful after delivering his final Happy Easter message from the St Peter's Basilica balcony.

Before meeting the crowds, the Pope and Strappetti reviewed the planned route, with Pope Francis asking the nurse: "Do you think I can manage it?

On St. Peter's Square, he warmly embraced the crowd, particularly the children. He also told Mr Strappetti: "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square."