While the attendance of prominent political personalities at Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26, 2025, garnered a lot of notice, so did their actions.
After arriving at St. Peter’s Square and being seen taking pictures with other officials, former President Joe Biden, who attended the liturgy with his wife, Jill Biden, caused controversy. Biden and his wife were placed in the back of the dignitaries’ area, as was customary, even though he was no longer the president. However, some viewers expressed surprise at what they saw as unsuitable conduct at such a serious occasion.
Biden-criticism erupted on social media. Some users referred to taking selfies at a funeral as “disrespectful” and “messed up,” while another person termed it “extremely inappropriate.” Online users quickly shared pictures of Biden posing with authorities, such as Thomas Tayebwa, a member of parliament from Uganda. In addition to posting a tribute to Pope Francis, Tayebwa tweeted a selfie he took with Biden, calling the moment “of profound personal significance.”
Pope Francis died of a stroke on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The outcry brought attention to the delicate nature of the farewell. A magnificent pontificate characterized by humility, progressive views, and a lifelong commitment to aiding the underprivileged came to an end with his death. After his death, Biden publicly lamented his loss, referring to Pope Francis as “one of the most consequential leaders of our time” and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to meet him.
Although Biden’s selfie ignited online discussion, Donald and Melania Trump’s appearance at the burial generated a different kind of conjecture. Video of the couple getting on an airplane before leaving the United States sparked a lot of online speculation that Trump had been joined by a “fake Melania.” Critics drew attention to the woman’s dissimilar haircut, stance, and shoes, pointing out that she did not look like Melania.
In spite of the rumors, Melania and Donald Trump were spotted at the funeral wearing customary mourning clothes. Donald sported a navy suit and a deep blue tie, while Melania sported a long, fitted black coat, a black lace veil, and high-heeled shoes. They were respectful and solemn during the service. But forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling later asserted that when her husband was first hesitant to perform the “sign of peace” routine, Melania had to say, “You should do it,” to get him to do it.
In a post commemorating her birthday, Melania shared her thoughts on the day after the service. She emphasized the event’s personal significance by sharing that she had spent it at the Pope’s funeral, praying for healing and peace.
Over 200,000 people came to St. Peter’s Square to attend Pope Francis’s burial. Millions of people all throughout the world loved Jesus, and his last moments, his final appearance blessing crowds on Easter Sunday, and the solemn reverence of his funeral all demonstrated this. Francis’s choice in his will for a modest funeral at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore reflects his humility throughout his life.
People from all over the world sent in their condolences, expressing both sadness and appreciation for the pontiff’s guidance and kindness.
Even with the political theater and controversy that unavoidably surrounded his final farewell, it was evident that Pope Francis’s legacy will continue to inspire as the square erupted in spontaneous applause following the funeral.
