International Leaders Faced Backlash After Attendees Noticed a ‘Disrespectful’ Gesture at Pope Francis’s Funeral

The Final Days of Pope Francis

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis faced serious health struggles over the past year. After being diagnosed with double pneumonia in early March, he spent almost five weeks hospitalized in Rome. Although he briefly returned to his home at Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican, he suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest on Easter Monday, which ultimately led to his passing.

Throughout his papacy, Francis became a global figure for his humility, commitment to social justice, and efforts to build bridges across different faiths. He strongly advocated for the rights of migrants, urgent climate action, and a Church that served the poor. His death triggered a worldwide wave of grief not seen since Pope John Paul II’s passing in 2005.

As tradition dictates, Pope Francis’s body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, giving hundreds of thousands of mourners the opportunity to pay their respects. On April 26, official funeral ceremonies began, drawing world leaders, royalty, and religious figures from around the globe.

Preparing for a Historic Funeral

Planning a papal funeral is a highly detailed and symbolic process, overseen by the Vatican’s Office of Liturgical Celebrations. Every aspect—down to the hymns and procession routes—is carefully arranged. Some key traditions included:

Open Catafalque: The pope’s coffin rested on a raised platform draped in white linen, with pilgrims silently filing past to pray.
Procession: A formal procession led from St. Peter’s Basilica to Santa Maria Maggiore, with clergy, cardinals, and dignitaries following a strict order.
Dress Code: Attendees wore black—the traditional color of mourning—with clergy in formal robes and lay leaders in black suits or dresses.
Protocol Briefings: Each foreign delegation received detailed instructions on ceremony etiquette, seating, and movement, with Vatican officials guiding them throughout.

Despite the detailed planning, the sheer size of the event—an estimated 400,000 people—made perfect coordination difficult, and a few high-profile protocol missteps didn’t go unnoticed.

The Funeral and Procession: Key Moments

Arrival at St. Peter’s Basilica

Shortly after 9 a.m., Vatican flags were lowered to half-staff. Inside the grand basilica, cardinals and bishops celebrated a solemn funeral Mass beneath towering Corinthian columns and Renaissance frescoes. Notable attendees included:

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Irish President Michael D. Higgins
Prince William, representing King Charles III
Dozens of other prime ministers, presidents, and monarchs

Highlights from the Requiem Mass

Music: Traditional Gregorian chants were performed alongside works by Palestrina and Mozart.
Scripture Readings: Chosen to focus on hope, resurrection, and serving the marginalized.
Eulogies: Cardinals from around the world shared personal stories of Francis’s kindness, leadership, and vision.

Procession to Santa Maria Maggiore

After the Mass, the pope’s coffin was carried through St. Peter’s Square in a flower-covered vehicle for burial at Santa Maria Maggiore. The procession included silent prayers and quiet moments, although some diplomatic conversations were seen along the route.

However, not all moments maintained the expected solemn tone—especially when it came to camera use.

Photo Controversies at the Funeral

Selfies and Snapshots

Earlier in the week, a Brazilian priest caused a stir by taking a selfie in front of Pope Francis’s body at the basilica, despite a Vatican request for visitors to refrain from photography. A Vatican spokesperson reminded the public:

“Visitors are invited not to take photos. This is a moment of prayer and respect.”

Still, many ignored the warning. Smartphones were raised again during the funeral Mass itself, with cameras catching clergy members, dignitaries, and even some world leaders snapping photos as the pope’s golden coffin passed by.

Among those spotted taking pictures:

Several unidentified foreign dignitaries
At least one deacon, who appeared to photograph Prince William
U.S. President Joe Biden, who reportedly paused for a quick selfie with fellow officials

Critics were quick to label these actions as disrespectful, arguing that taking pictures during such a sacred ceremony disrupted the collective mourning and turned a solemn farewell into a media spectacle.

The Final Days of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, had faced mounting health problems over the past year. After being diagnosed with double pneumonia in early March, he spent nearly five weeks hospitalized in Rome. Though he briefly returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, a stroke and cardiac arrest on Easter Monday ultimately proved fatal.

Francis’s papacy—known for its humility, focus on social justice, and efforts to build bridges between faiths—resonated deeply with both Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide. He was a powerful voice for migrant rights, climate action, and a Church committed to the poor. His death sparked an outpouring of grief not seen since Pope John Paul II’s passing in 2005.

Following tradition, Pope Francis’s body lay in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, allowing hundreds of thousands to pay their respects. On April 26, the funeral rites began, drawing an extraordinary gathering of world leaders, royalty, and religious figures.

Behind the Scenes: Funeral Planning and Protocol

Papal funerals are meticulously planned by the Vatican’s Office of Liturgical Celebrations. Every detail—from hymn choices to the flow of processions—is tightly coordinated. Key elements included:

Open Catafalque: The pope’s coffin rested on a raised platform covered with white linen, as mourners passed by in silence.
Procession: A solemn procession moved from St. Peter’s Basilica to Santa Maria Maggiore, with clergy, cardinals, and dignitaries following a strict order.
Dress Code: Attendees traditionally wear black to symbolize mourning, with clergy in formal robes and lay participants in dark suits or dresses.
Protocol Briefings: Heads of state and other dignitaries received detailed instructions on proper conduct throughout the ceremonies.

Despite thorough planning, managing an event of this size—estimated at 400,000 attendees—was no easy feat, and a few high-profile breaches of decorum quickly made headlines.

Key Moments from the Funeral and Procession

Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

The funeral Mass began shortly after 9 a.m., with Vatican flags at half-mast. Cardinals and bishops led the service inside the grandeur of St. Peter’s, surrounded by Renaissance frescoes and towering columns. Among the global leaders present:

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Irish President Michael D. Higgins
Prince William, representing King Charles III
Numerous other heads of state and dignitaries

Highlights of the Requiem Mass

Music: The choirs performed a mix of Gregorian chant and classical works by Palestrina and Mozart.
Scripture Readings: Selections focused on hope in the resurrection and service to the poor.
Eulogies: Cardinals from around the world shared reflections on Francis’s compassion, leadership, and spiritual vision.

Procession to Santa Maria Maggiore

After the Mass, the flower-adorned vehicle carrying the pope’s coffin passed through St. Peter’s Square toward his final resting place. While many stood silently in prayer, moments of casual conversation and diplomatic exchanges among leaders caught the attention of observers.

Controversy: Phone Use and Photography

The Brazilian Priest’s Selfie

Earlier in the week, controversy erupted when a Brazilian priest was photographed taking a selfie in front of Pope Francis’s body at the basilica. The Vatican issued a reminder:

“Visitors are invited not to take photos. This is a moment of prayer and respect.”

Despite these appeals, many visitors ignored the rules, raising smartphones to capture images of the pope’s coffin.

Snapping Photos During the Funeral

During the funeral Mass itself, cameras caught clergy members, dignitaries, and even world leaders using phones to snap pictures. Those seen photographing included:

Various unidentified dignitaries
A deacon capturing Prince William in his shot
President Joe Biden, who appeared to linger for a quick selfie with others

The reaction was swift. Many called the photo-taking disrespectful, arguing it shattered the sacred atmosphere of mourning.

Public Reaction

On social media, outrage spread quickly:

“They should be ashamed—taking pictures of a funeral is disrespectful.”
“Who the hell photographs a coffin during Mass? Electronic devices should have been banned.”
“Morbid doesn’t begin to cover it. A funeral is not a photo op.”

While some defended casual phone use as a modern reality, most insisted that a papal funeral deserved a far higher standard of reverence.

The “Blue Suit” Debate

Black: The Traditional Mourning Color

In Catholic funerals, black clothing symbolizes grief and respect. Even in warmer climates, leaders traditionally honor this custom, making any deviation highly noticeable.

President Trump’s Navy Ensemble

President Trump drew attention when he arrived in a bright navy-blue suit with a blue tie, standing out starkly among a sea of black-clad mourners. As one social media user joked:

“Of all the world leaders in black, Trump in blue looks like he wandered off a news anchor set.”

Prince William, wearing a darker navy suit, also attracted some notice, but Trump’s lighter outfit and vivid tie drew the most criticism.

Melania Trump’s Attire

Melania Trump also raised eyebrows with her understated, off-the-rack coat and flat shoes—an unusual choice for a First Lady known for her high-fashion wardrobe. Some conspiracy theorists even speculated she had been replaced by a body double, though there’s no real evidence to support that claim.

Other Protocol Missteps

Premature Departures: Several leaders, including President Trump, left immediately after the final blessing, skipping opportunities to offer condolences to Vatican officials.
Casual Conversations: Some dignitaries were spotted engaging in light chatter during lulls in the service, raising concerns about maintaining solemnity.
Frequent Phone Checking: Beyond photo-taking, a few leaders were caught repeatedly checking their smartphones, fueling debate about balancing modern communication needs with protocol expectations.

Collectively, these missteps fed the narrative that even the world’s most powerful figures sometimes falter under the public eye.

Faithful, Media, and Expert Reactions

Voices from the Faithful

Many Catholics expressed disappointment:

“A papal funeral is sacred. It shouldn’t be turned into a tourist attraction.”
“Even if you’re a president, humility calls for silence—not selfies.”

Media Analysis

International media outlets took a nuanced view. The Guardian pointed out that technology has blurred the line between participating and documenting, while The Wall Street Journal argued that protocol remains essential for reminding even the powerful of our shared human vulnerability.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Maria Conti, a professor of diplomatic studies, noted:

“Ceremonial law creates a level playing field. When leaders break it—even unintentionally—they risk overshadowing the event’s deeper meaning.”

James Renner, a retired U.S. State Department protocol officer, added:

“Every gesture at a state funeral sends a message about respect and solidarity. One misstep can dominate the story.”

The Bigger Picture: Tradition vs. Modern Reality

Protecting the Ritual

The controversies surrounding Pope Francis’s funeral underscore a real challenge: How do you protect the dignity of ancient ceremonies in a world dominated by smartphones and instant social media?

While some advocate for stricter rules—like banning phones and enforcing dress codes—others argue that ceremonies must evolve with the times.

Possible Solutions for Future Events

Stronger Reminders: Clearer signs and announcements about photography bans.
Device Management: Options for checking devices before entering solemn spaces.
Mourning Symbols: Distributing black ribbons for those whose native customs don’t align with black mourning clothes.

Finding a balance between tradition and today’s reality is essential if state and religious ceremonies are to retain their meaning.

Conclusion

Pope Francis’s funeral was meant to be a solemn, unified celebration of his life and ideals. Instead, images of smartphones, selfies, and fashion missteps became the focus of global conversation.

These controversies serve as a powerful reminder: In an age of instant information and constant commentary, small moments can easily overshadow greater intentions. They challenge both religious and diplomatic communities to reaffirm the importance of respectful participation—and to ensure that the dignity of our most sacred ceremonies endures, even in the digital age.

While public missteps may have momentarily drawn attention, the true legacy of Pope Francis lives on in the faith he inspired and the changes he championed.