The world gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis, and among the sea of mourners and dignitaries who traveled to Rome to pay their respects were Donald and Melania Trump. Yet, amid the somber tribute, a new conspiracy theory began swirling online — some are convinced the Melania who attended wasn’t the real one at all.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, spent 12 impactful years as the Bishop of Rome before passing away at 88 on April 21. He wasn’t just a pope of tradition; he carved out a legacy of humility, compassion, and progressive ideals. He chose modest living quarters over grand papal apartments, refused a lavish salary, and kept his wardrobe refreshingly simple, famously quipping he didn’t want to look like an ice cream vendor when asked to don white trousers.
Right up until his last days, Francis remained close to the people. Just one day before his passing, he smiled and embraced crowds in St. Peter’s Square without the usual bulletproof glass protection, a crowd estimated at 50,000 strong.
His death was announced on Vatican TV by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” In his final wishes, Francis had requested a simple resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, an ancient sanctuary dear to him, with an unadorned tomb marked only with “Franciscus.”
On Saturday, thousands filled St. Peter’s Square for his funeral mass. More than 100 foreign delegations attended, with high-profile figures like Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William all in attendance. From the United States, Donald and Melania Trump made the trip to Rome, joining mourners from around the globe.
Donald and Melania were seen arriving at St. Peter’s Square, seated alongside notable figures such as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Melania, clad in a respectful black ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana, completed her look with a mantilla and gloves, in line with traditional mourning attire.
However, internet sleuths quickly pounced on videos showing Donald and Melania boarding the helicopter before departure. Theories erupted on social media platforms, questioning whether it was truly Melania walking alongside Donald or a body double. Observers pointed to supposed discrepancies — the flat shoes she wore, the way she walked, and even the fit of her coat — as “evidence” that something was off.
This isn’t the first time Melania has faced rumors of using a body double. Speculation has flared before, especially when she wore sunglasses indoors or seemed different in demeanor. Some conspiracy theorists online claim her appearance during the Pope’s funeral only adds fuel to that fire.
Critics noted missing rings, differences in facial features, and even changes in body posture. Some argued that Melania, known for her sharp fashion sense, would never have worn an “off-the-rack” coat, while others suggested the woman seen in Rome looked years younger than the real Melania.
It’s worth noting that Melania Trump and Pope Francis had met previously during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2017, in what many described as an awkward exchange. Despite Melania’s claims of fluency in Italian, a translator was needed, and confusion during their conversation raised eyebrows at the time.
As for her appearance at Pope Francis’ funeral, there’s no official evidence supporting the claim of a body double. Yet, as with all things surrounding the Trumps, the internet remains divided, with some insisting the real Melania stayed behind.
Whether rooted in truth or simply another internet rabbit hole, the conspiracy theories show no sign of slowing down. What do you think — was it really Melania Trump by Donald’s side in Rome, or just a carefully staged stand-in? Feel free to share your thoughts and this story with friends and family!
