Julius OkoriePerhaps you never knew or may have forgotten that April 26 is the birthday of United States First Lady Melania Trump.
Incidentally, this year’s birthday coincided with the funeral of the 266th Pope, Pope Francis who died on Galilee day at the age of 88.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUnited States President, Donald Trump and first Lady Melania Trump were part of hundreds of world leaders who gathered in Rome to pay tribute to the Pope known for his humility and simplicity, his tendency to associate and identify with the down trodden and the neglected rather than dine with the rich and the powerful.
His passing touched the life of many and called for sober reflection on our activities in life and how our action or inaction is affecting others.
And so, while at the funeral that US first Lady appeared to have been submerged in sober reflection, perhaps in prayers for herself, her family, the country, the world and the late Pope who preached the principle of live and let’s live.
A picture of her caught on camera during the funeral of the pope in Rome, said it all. With eyes completely shut to distractions from both within and outside.
It is safe to say that this moment was for her that of total concentration cum reflection, with her 55th birthday celebration relegated to the bar ground.
As if to say, all that matters now is salvation and eternity.
Of course hers was not the only picture that became the talking point. Also in that category was the meeting of President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy by the way attracted some applause when he arrived the venue.
The Comedian turned politician and President has been at war with Russia since February 2022 after Russia invasion of his country.
Peace talks have been going on and preaching of peace going on but the war has not ended.
Perhaps the meeting of Donald Trump one on one with Zelenskyy will trigger new dimension to peace talks and perhaps put bring an end to the war that has so far claimed estimated to have 12,910 lives with about 30,700 wounded as at 31st March 2025.
READ ALSO:Trump, Zelenskyy Discuss Peace Plans During Pope Francis’ Funeral In Rome [VIDEO]
Absolute peace in the world no doubt is one thing the late Pope would have love to see, and even in death, it is hoped that the high and the mighty who have the capacity to give peace a chance can make it happen.
With late Pope Francis now laid to rest at the Church Of Santa Maria Maggiore Bacilica, a period of nine days of mourning continues to be followed by process of selection of a new pope.
A date has not yet been set but it is thought it could start as early as 5 or 6 May, with 135 cardinals set to attend, making it the largest conclave in modern history.
Tenure Of The Last 10 Popes In The last 135 Years:
Pope Francis — March 13, 2013-April 21, 2025 (12)
Benedict XVI — April 19, 2005-Feb. 28, 2013 (8)
John Paul II — Oct. 16, 1978-April 2, 2005. (27)
John Paul I — Aug. 26-Sept. 28, 1978. (33days)
Paul VI — June 21, 1963-Aug. 6, 1978. (15)
John XXIII — Oct. 28, 1958-June 3, 1963. (5)
Pius XII — March 2, 1939-Oct. 9, 1958. (19)
Pius XI — Feb. 6, 1922-Feb. 10, 1939. (17)
Benedict XV — Sept. 3, 1914-Jan. 22, 1922. (8)
Pius X — Aug. 4, 1903-Aug. 20, 1914. (11)
Leo XIII — Feb. 20, 1878-July 20, 1903. (25)
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
