Trump, who was accompanied by wife Melania, had a distant relationship with the late pontiff who criticized him sharply on his signature policy of mass deportations of migrants.
Trump said it was possible he could meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in what would be the two leaders’ first time together since a disastrous White House meeting on February 28.
Trump, while calling on Russia to stop its aerial attacks on Ukraine, has recently blamed Zelensky for the war and the continuing bloodshed.
No meetings have been announced in Rome for Trump, who is due to stay only half a day.
But he said any meetings would be quick and added: “Frankly it’s a little disrespectful to have meetings when you’re at the funeral of the pope.”
Biden is a devout Catholic and was close with Francis. He will travel independently to Rome, his office said, even though former presidents generally travel on Air Force One for funerals.
President George W. Bush took two of his predecessors, Bill Clinton and his father, on Air Force One for Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005.
Trump’s trip to Italy comes after he rattled European allies by imposing sweeping tariffs, although he at least temporarily has backed down from the most severe measures.
Meloni had already extended an invitation to Trump to visit Rome before the pope’s death, saying that it could provide an opportunity for talks with European leaders.
Lula has been critical of Trump but has avoided major confrontation since the Republican billionaire’s return.
Trump also paid a brief visit to France after his election but before his inauguration for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral. Macron brought him together with Zelensky on the sidelines.
He is to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13.
He told reporters he hadn’t had time to buy any presents but added that “I’m taking her for dinner on Air Force One.”
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