Pope Francis Laid to Rest
The world has bid farewell to Pope Francis. He was buried on Saturday in front of thousands of mourners. World leaders and dignitaries from across the globe gathered in Rome for the service.
Donald and Melania Trump Attend – Or Did They?
Among the attendees were Donald and Melania Trump. However, a viral conspiracy theory now suggests Melania might not have been there at all—instead, some believe a body double stood in her place.
A Life of Humility and Service
Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, passed away on April 21 at age 88. He led the Catholic Church for 12 years and was known for his humility and reformist views.
He championed the poor, supported immigrants, and rejected opulence. Rather than live in the luxurious papal apartment, he chose a modest two-room residence. He even refused the Church’s $32,000 monthly salary.
Challenging Tradition with Simplicity
Though tradition is central to papal life, Francis wasn’t one to follow blindly. Weeks after his election, aides urged him to wear white trousers to match his cassock. He declined, joking, “I don’t want to look like an ice cream seller,” according to biographer Austen Ivereigh.
Pope Francis’s Final Moments
Even a day before his death, Francis appeared in public without bulletproof glass in the popemobile. He smiled and hugged members of the crowd, estimated at 50,000.
On Monday, April 21, the Vatican confirmed his passing. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced.
Francis’s Final Wishes
In his will, Pope Francis requested a humble burial. He asked to rest in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place he often visited after apostolic journeys.
He also specified the location of his tomb and that it remain simple—just “Franciscus” engraved. A benefactor’s donation would cover all burial expenses.
Funeral Draws Global Leaders
Held Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the funeral attracted more than 200,000 mourners. Attendees included the Trumps, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William.
Francis’s body, clothed in red and gold liturgical garments, was placed in a zinc-lined wooden coffin and taken to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. He became the first pope since 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican.
Melania Trump Sparks New Body-Double Rumors
The Trumps arrived just before the service. They were seated near Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. However, images of Melania reignited speculation about a body double.
Critics pointed to her outfit, posture, and footwear. “Melania never wears flats,” one commenter noted. Others added that her coat looked “off-the-rack,” and her facial features appeared different.
Awkward Past Encounter with the Pope
Melania and Pope Francis previously met in 2017. Although she claimed to speak Italian, a translator stepped in. When the pope asked about the Slovenian dessert “potica,” Melania didn’t understand until it was translated.
According to The Art of Her Deal, she responded mostly in English. She thanked him and mentioned visiting a hospital for “bambinos,” a term in Italian for children.
Melania’s Funeral Outfit
For the funeral, Melania wore a black Dolce & Gabbana coat with a matching mantilla and gloves. She often wears the Italian label and reportedly shares a long-standing relationship with the brand.
“She is very faithful to Dolce & Gabbana,” said photographer Régine Mahaux. Given her Catholic roots—Slovenia is 74% Catholic—it’s no surprise she appeared solemn at the funeral.
Social Media Speculates: “Fake Melania”
The X account Call to Activism posted a video of the couple boarding a helicopter before leaving the U.S. The caption read: “What do you notice about the way Trump and Melania just walked to the helicopter today?”
Theories quickly followed. One user wrote, “That’s NOT Melania.” Others pointed out missing rings, a different hairstyle, and a smaller frame.
This isn’t the first time “Fake Melania” theories have surfaced. On Election Day 2023, she was accused of wearing sunglasses indoors all day to conceal her identity. “This imposter’s been wearing sunglasses indoors all day,” one user commented.
Another joked: “The check didn’t clear in time for the real Melania, so they brought out the doppelgänger.”
So, Was It Really Melania?
Some claim Melania skipped the trip, sending a stand-in instead. Could it be true? Or is this just another outlandish internet rumor?
Let us know what you think. Was Melania really at the funeral, or was it all an illusion? Share this article on Facebook and join the conversation.
