This Saturday, April 26, witnessed one of the most remarkable moments in the history of a Pope’s funeral as millions flocked to the streets of the Vatican while bidding adieu to their beloved late pontiff, Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff, who passed away on April 21, was laid to rest on April 26 after a moving funeral attended by world leaders, including royalty, presidents, and prime ministers. Apart from the important people and world leaders, what made Pope Francis’ funeral ‘potentially historic’ was the presence of a wholly inclusive crowd.
On Saturday, the funeral service of Pope Francis saw the heavyweight world leaders coming together to pay their respects to the late pontiff. The list included names like the US President Donald Trump, along with his wife and the First Lady Melania Trump, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the French President Emmanuel Macron, along with his wife, Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William of the British Royal Family, former US President Joe Bidenm along with his wife and the former First Lady Jill Biden, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
However, it was the President of the United States of America who attracted a substantial amount of attention – and not for good reasons. From diverting from the usual dress code to ‘questionable’ mobile manners, Trump checked each box on the ‘breaking the protocol’ list.
Take a look.
Dress code gone wrong!
For a funeral, you wear black. But not Trump. Instead of the traditional black typically worn at Catholic funerals—a color that signifies mourning and respect — Trump opted for a bright navy suit. Trump's choice of attire stood in stark contrast to the sea of black-clad mourners surrounding him, making him appear as though he was deliberately trying to draw attention. While Prince William also wore a dark blue suit, many interpreted this decision as a mark of their absence of Catholic faith, fueling further discussions among the attendees and viewers alike.
Wrong place! Wrong time!
Beyond attire, Trump's demeanor during the funeral raised eyebrows. He was notably spotted standing too close to Pope Francis's casket, with his shoes crossing over the sacred carpeted area that signifies the 'holy ground' reserved for the deceased pontiff. Unlike many mourners who respectfully kept their distance, both Trump and his wife, Melania, appeared unaware of this poignant aspect of the ceremony.
Adding to the litany of politically charged moments, Trump's behavior throughout the service caught the attention of the audience. He was seen checking his mobile phone, at one point leaning forward to type—an act that starkly contrasted the reverence expected in such a setting. There were also instances where he appeared to drift off to sleep, eyes closed and mouth agape, as well as moments where he chewed gum, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the proceedings before him.
Always in a hurry!
What seemed particularly striking was the rapidity with which Trump exited the funeral once it concluded. Many noted how he hastily departed to return to the United States, a move that was met with disdain on social media, where users expressed their outrage regarding his lack of decorum. Comments like, "Of course Trump is the only jacka** wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral…. such an embarrassment," encapsulated the sentiment of many who witnessed the event.
Several others voiced their discontent, with one remarking, "Donald Trump couldn’t even be respectful and wear a black suit to Pope Francis’ funeral like the rest of world leaders. He always has to stick out and try and be the center of attention." Another internet user’s comment summarized the event succinctly: "Trump fell asleep at the Pope’s funeral, he walked on the rug that was under the casket (a big no-no), refused to wear a dark suit, said he was looking forward to a fun trip (it’s a freaking funeral, nimrod), and left well before it was over."
Internet may have gone overboard with trolling. It wasn't just Trump who wore a blue suit at the funeral, Prince Williams, and many others didn't wear black on the occasion.
Despite the solemnity of the occasion, several moments involving President Trump became focal points of criticism from viewers around the globe, who felt his conduct was somewhat ‘unbecoming’ of such a significant event. In fact, his very presence was controversial, as speculations arose that his attendance was an attempt to appeal to Catholic voters in the upcoming elections.
The collective response on social media highlighted not just discomfort with Trump's actions but a broader disappointment in his apparent disregard for the solemnity of a historic moment.
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