Donald Trump is expected to have a “third-tier seat” at
Pope Francis’ funeral mass, despite being one of the first to confirm his attendance.
Accustomed to being front and center at world events,
Trump is unlikely to have a prominent position when he arrives at St. Peter’s Basilica tomorrow morning.
The Vatican is finalizing preparations for the funeral, though the official seating chart has yet to be released.
Tradition dictates that Catholic royalty will be given precedence for front-row seating, followed by non-Catholic royals like Prince
William, and then world leaders and foreign dignitaries seated further back.
Trump, who once criticized Joe Biden for his 14th-row seat at
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral,
may find himself in a very similar—if not even less favorable—spot this time around.
Given his past comments about seating arrangements as a measure of respect
, it’s hard to imagine Trump taking the news lightly.
Reports indicate that about 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs will be present,
with dignitaries expected to sit in a large block across from Catholic clergy.