Andrew Roth: Pope's funeral may prove a diplomatic minefield 

US president Donald Trump has never been known for his tact

There is little doubt that Donald Trump’s trip to the Vatican will provide plenty of white-knuckle moments. Picture: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo

A spectre is haunting Europe: The spectre of Donald Trump flying to the Vatican this weekend and publicly feuding with international leaders in front of St Peter’s Basilica in the midst of the sombre rituals and rites that will mark the funeral of Pope Francis.

The US leader’s first international trip of his second term comes at one of the most politically fractious and fraught moments in recent memory, as his “America first” project sets fire to US alliances and trade relationships around the world.