Former US President Donald Trump has faced significant criticism for his behaviour during the funeral service of Pope Francis in Rome on 26 April 2025. The funeral, held at St Peter’s Basilica, drew numerous global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as over 200,000 members of the public who gathered in St Peter’s Square to pay their final respects.
The ceremony included a solemn requiem mass followed by a procession to transfer the late Pope’s remains to the Basilica of St Mary Major, a church often visited by Pope Francis. In keeping with the Pope’s wishes, he was laid to rest in a simple wooden casket rather than the ornate triple-coffin traditionally used for popes.
Despite the reverent atmosphere, Donald Trump attracted rebuke for several actions seen as disrespectful during the service. Photographs and videos showed him fidgeting with his mobile phone and chewing gum while other attendees observed the ceremony solemnly. This behaviour sparked widespread condemnation on social media and among onlookers. One commenter told the Mirror, “Total disgrace. Selfinvite. Blue suit. Hating the pope and now attending his funeral. Pretending to be a (very recent) super Christian but having no morals and don’t know what Easter is about.” Another remarked, “Texting from the front row at a funeral... the ultimate disrespect and rudeness from the President of America.”
Further criticism was directed at Trump’s choice of attire; he wore a blue suit instead of the customary black typically worn at such solemn events. The former president had already attracted attention for stating that his attendance was partly motivated by appealing to Catholic voters.
The funeral service also witnessed a notably significant moment as President Zelensky and Donald Trump, who had recently had a heated confrontation at the White House in February, met in person for the first time since. Photographs captured the two leaders in conversation inside the basilica, alongside other dignitaries including Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky received warm applause from those present upon taking his seat for the mass.
Pope Francis’ funeral reflected his lifelong calls for peace and humility, with the global gathering of leaders and faithful marking a poignant farewell to the Pontiff. However, the coverage of Trump’s behaviour during the event has sparked considerable debate and criticism regarding the expectations of decorum at such historic and solemn occasions.
Source: Noah Wire Services