Reexamination of Pope Francis’ “awkward” encounter with Melania Trump

During his twelve years in office, Pope Francis had meetings with some of the most important world leaders. He also hosted gatherings around the world and had celebrities come through his doors. Melania Trump and Donald Trump, who met Pope Francis in the Vatican during their first term in office, have recently confirmed that they will attend his funeral.

However, there was some uncertainty throughout their meeting. Francis reportedly sought to speak Italian with Melania, who claimed she could speak the language. Can she, though? According to one analyst, she can’t, and as a result, the meeting with Pope Francis has stalled.

As readers are already aware, Pope Francis has died. Born in Buenos Aires, the 88-year-old made his final public appearance at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. On Monday, April 21, news of his passing was released. Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on the Vatican’s television station, “Dear brothers and sisters, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis with great sadness.” “Francis, the Bishop of Rome, returned to the Father’s house at 7:35 this morning.”

Pope Francis experienced numerous health problems in his last years. He underwent two rounds of intestinal surgery and only had one complete lung. He spent 38 days in the hospital with a potentially fatal respiratory ailment before being discharged just one week ago.

Pope Francis died of a stroke, coma, and permanent cardiocirculatory collapse, according to Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, who made the announcement Monday night, according to the Holy See Press Office. Electrocardiographic thanatography proved his demise.

According to CNN, Trump posted on X and later Twitter, saying, “I don’t like seeing the Pope standing at the checkout counter (front desk) of a hotel in order to pay his bill.” “It’s not like Pope!” When Trump emerged as the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2015, he stated Francis appeared to be “a pretty good guy,” but he countered that by saying Francis was too political.

Only a few months later, after Trump defended the construction of his notorious wall along the Mexican border and the deportation of immigrants, Pope Francis said that Trump was not “a Christian” when he claimed that the pope was unaware of the illegal immigration crisis facing the United States.

“A person is not Christian if they only consider building walls, no matter where they are, and not building bridges,” he told reporters. “The gospel is not this.” What did Trump say? calling Francis’ viewpoint “disgraceful.” Nevertheless, when Donald and Melania Trump visited the Vatican in 2017, the president and Pope Francis met, despite their divergent opinions on a number of issues. But the encounter started out confused, with the pope and Melania Trump having an unpleasant moment together.

It should come as no surprise that the First Lady speaks Slovenian given her Slovenian heritage. Melania has previously claimed to be fluent in a number of other languages in addition to English. Melania told MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski during Donald’s first presidential campaign that she could speak German, Italian, French, English, and Slovenian.

It’s interesting to note that, despite common expressions like “Bonjour” or “Ciao,” she has never been heard speaking Italian, French, or German in public when she meets with representatives of those nations. Translators are always on the First Lady’s side during such events, and this was true during her meeting with Pope Francis.

As previously mentioned, the First Lady claimed to speak Italian fluently, yet when she met Pope Francis in 2017, a translator was present. Melania was questioned by the pope if she served her husband potica, a unique Slovenian cake.

It soon became clear that Melania didn’t get it right away. The interpreter then addressed her and clarified his query. Then Melania said, “Yes, Potica.” Overall, the meeting proceeded smoothly. Or did it? In her unapproved 2020 biography of Melania, The Art of Her Deal, author and Washington Post reporter Mary Jordan disclosed fresh information regarding the encounter.

Jordan asserted that prior to their meeting, the pope had been informed that Melania could speak Italian. Melania said, “Thank you,” as Pope Francis held out his hand. “Nice to meet you,” Jordan said in English. But the pope responded in Italian. In The Art of Her Deal, Jordan wrote, “She looked at him and said nothing.”

Melania Trump responded in English once more when a Vatican aide presented her with a rosary for the pope to bless: “Oh, I would love it.” Thank you. “Grazie,” she said.