Major political personalities’ attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26, 2025, garnered a lot of notice, but so did their actions.
When former President Joe Biden arrived at St. Peter’s Square, he was seen taking pictures with other dignitaries, which sparked controversy. Biden attended the liturgy with his wife, Jill Biden. As was customary, Biden and his spouse were sat near the rear of the dignitaries’ area, despite the fact that he was no longer the president. Some viewers, however, were shocked by what they saw as improper conduct at such a serious occasion.
Social media was inundated with Biden-criticism comments. Taking selfies at a funeral was deemed “extremely inappropriate” by one user, “disrespectful,” and “messed up” by another. Images of Biden posing with officials, such as Thomas Tayebwa, a member of parliament from Uganda, quickly went viral on the internet. Tayebwa shared a selfie he took with Biden and paid homage to Pope Francis, calling the encounter “of profound personal significance.”
@revista_hola Así ha sido el comentado selfie del expresidente de los Estados Unidos, Joe Biden, en el funeral del Papa Francisco #JoeBiden #PapaFrancisco #vaticano
The outcry brought to light the delicate nature of the farewell to Pope Francis, who died of a stroke on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His passing signaled the end of an extraordinary pontificate characterized by modesty, progressive views, and a lifetime commitment to aiding the underprivileged. In his public condolences after his death, Biden referred to Pope Francis as “one of the most consequential leaders of our time” and remarked on how privileged he was to have met him.
Donald and Melania Trump’s appearance at the burial generated a different wave of rumors, while Biden’s selfie moment stoked internet debate. Online claims that a “fake Melania” had accompanied Trump were widely circulated after footage of the couple boarding an aircraft before their departure from the United States surfaced. Critics noted that the woman in question did not look like Melania, pointing to variations in her haircut, posture, and shoes.
Donald and Melania Trump were spotted at the burial wearing customary mourning clothing, despite the rumors. Donald sported a navy suit with a deep blue tie, while Melania wore a long, fitted black coat, high-heeled shoes, and a black lace veil. They were solemn and courteous during the service. Nicola Hickling, a forensic lip reader, later asserted that Melania had to whisper, “You should do it,” to her husband when he first hesitated to perform the “sign of peace” routine.
Melania wrote a message commemorating her birthday after the service, reflecting on the day. She emphasized the occasion’s personal significance by sharing that she had spent it praying for healing and peace while attending the Pope’s funeral.
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More than 200,000 people flocked to St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’s burial. Millions throughout the world loved him deeply, as seen by his last moments, his final appearance blessing multitudes on Easter Sunday, and the solemn reverence of his funeral. Francis reflected his humility throughout his life by requesting in his testament a humble burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Around the world, condolences were sent in, with many expressing both sadness and appreciation for the pontiff’s guidance and kindness.
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Pope Francis’s legacy would undoubtedly continue to inspire despite the political theater and disputes that unavoidably surrounded his final farewell, as evidenced by the spontaneous applause that erupted in the Piazza following the funeral.