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Melania Trump Embraces Reverence and Her Signature Style in Dolce & Gabbana Dress and Heels for the Funeral of Pope Francis

The first lady was joined by global leaders and royalty.

By FN Staff

FN Staff

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US First Lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL¬†26: Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter‚Äôs Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL¬†26: France's President Emmanuel Macron and France's First Lady Brigitte Macron arrive at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter‚Äôs Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL¬†26: King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter‚Äôs Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 26: Former U.S. First Lady Jill Biden and Former U.S. President Joe Biden arrive at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

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At Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, Melania Trump’s attire was a carefully calibrated message of reverence and sartorial savvy – choosing a brand that takes inspiration from Catholicism, Dolce and Gabbana. Wearing a custom all-black ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana, the First Lady stood out among global dignitaries for her sartorial precision. Anchoring the outfit was a pair of pointed stiletto pumps.

While many guests, including Jill Biden and Brigitte Macron, adhered to mourning customs with modest black outfits, Trump’s decision to wear heels underscored her signature style and commitment to formal protocol.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL¬†26: US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter‚Äôs Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Getty Images

Experts say wearing heels at such solemn Vatican events — particularly with uneven stone terrain — is a calculated expression of discipline, elegance and control.

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 26: (L-R) US President Donald Trump, US First Lady Melania Trump, Estonian President Alar Karis, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Getty Images

The Dolce & Gabbana look was completed with a silk georgette mantilla, lace gloves, and a wool double-breasted coat. Notably, Melania had worn a similar look when meeting Pope Francis in 2017. Her choice of the same label in 2025 reflects longstanding ties and reverence for Italian craftsmanship and religious tradition.

While the funeral was held on her 55th birthday, Melania balanced solemnity and style.