Donald and Melania Trump face backlash over 'heartless' post about Pope Francis' funeral

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have been criticised over a post regarding Pope Francis' funeral.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday (21 April) at the age of 88. In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell of the Vatican announced: "At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised."

Following the confirmation of his death, the nine days of mourning are now set to commence, with the funeral taking place on Saturday (26 April) as the church begins the process to choose another Pope.

His death, following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, prompted an outpouring of tributes across the globe.

But one post that hasn't gone down very well online belongs to that of the President of the US and the First Lady.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump explained he and his wife, Melania, would be attending the funeral of Pope Francis, and added that he was 'looking forward' to it.

"Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!" Trump said.

And people were pretty shocked by the comment, with one person writing: "Who looks forward to going to a funeral? What a vile thing to say."

Trump was criticised for the comment (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

While another added: "Nobody looks forward to going to a funeral. Funerals are somber, depressing occasions where people cry and tell stories about the deceased."

And a third said: "Utterly weird to say you are "looking forward" to attending a funeral. Nobody says that."

"Donald Trump announced He and Melania is looking forward to going to the POPE'S FUNERAL. That's heartless," a fourth wrote.

Tyla has reached out to The White House for comment.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Details of the late Bishop of Rome's funeral have been revealed, with mass to take place at 10am local time this Saturday (26 April), celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals.

His final will and testament have also been released by the Vatican, including his wishes surrounding his burial.

It is not yet clear who will now be announced as the next Bishop of Rome, with a voting process likely to last between 15 to 20 days in what is known as a papal conclave.

A few possible candidates for the role have been put forward, however, nothing will officially announced until the end of the conclave.