I think we have to be sensitized to the Dignity of Life everywhere. – Rev. Frank Mann, Conversation with TribeofHeart
A child is a man of the future. When little kids grow up surrounded by love, empathy, and strong character, these values sink into their souls and shape who they become as adults. One such person is Rev. Francis (Frank) Mann, a retired priest from the Diocese of Brooklyn, who stepped into the spotlight after giving the closing benediction at Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025.
He learned empathy from his father
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Francis (Frank) Mann grew up with parents who planted empathy in him young. He lived surrounded by animals- rabbits, chickens, ducks, forging a strong tie with them.1 He watched his father save creatures from danger, giving his gear to the homeless without a flinch.
Inspired by the actions of his own father and Jesus’ life, he picked a path to serve the church. He studied at local Catholic schools, then hit seminary, getting ordained as a priest in 1979.
His Compassion for Animals
Rev. Mann often recalls when he realized how humans pick favorites among God’s creatures, cherishing some while eating others to fill our stomachs. A billboard showing a puppy and piglet side by side, with the words ‘Why love one but eat the other,’ hit him like a ton of bricks—he quit meat that day.
Over time, he held gatherings to spread this call to protect all life, no matter its size.
Coping with Depression After Mom’s Death
In an interview, Rev. Mann shared his fight with depression after his mother suddenly passed away in 1994.2 It took him a long time to heal himself. Since then, he has tried to encourage others to seek help if they are going through similar circumstances.
A Priest and an Author
Rev. Mann took on many roles throughout his career. He served the Diocese of Brooklyn as parish priest and chaplain and penned articles for The Tablet newspaper on mental health and animal care, driven by their struggles.
His kids’ book, The Wounded Butterfly, which came out on April 1, 2022, also stirred readers to shield God’s creatures—especially the weak ones aching for help.
Friendship with Donald Trump
One of the most interesting aspects of Rev. Mann’s life is his unlikely friendship with former President Donald Trump. This friendship began when Rev. Mann took an interest in the Trump family gravesite in Queens.
Noticing that the gravesite was slightly overgrown and unkempt, he decided to clean and decorate it. He sent a photo of his work to Trump, which led to a phone call from the president. Trump was hooked by Rev. Mann’s gesture, and they stayed in touch.3
This initial contact blossomed into a close friendship, with Trump inviting Rev. Mann to various events and seeking his advice on matters related to the Catholic community.
Mann’s friendship with Trump reached a significant milestone when he was invited to deliver the closing benediction at Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025, which made him well-known all over the world.
Note- His biography will be updated here as new details emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Rev. Frank Mann become a priest?
A: He was ordained as a priest in 1979.
Q: What is The Wounded Butterfly about?
A: The Wounded Butterfly is a heartfelt children’s book that encourages readers to develop compassion and care for all living creatures, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable and delicate.
References
- Father Frank Mann’s Awakening to Compassion for Animals, Tribeofheart YouTube channel ↩︎
- Frank Mann’s Interview by Nicollette Barsamian for Queens Gazette ↩︎
- Father Frank Mann’s interview on The World Over with Raymond Arroyo on EWTN YouTube Channel ↩︎
