World Leaders Pay Tribute to Late Pope at Vatican Funeral — Trump Criticized Over Attire
On Saturday, April 26, world leaders gathered in Vatican City to honor the late Pope, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a sudden stroke and heart failure.
An estimated 200,000 mourners filled St. Peter’s Square for the open-air funeral Mass, according to BBC News. Among those in attendance were U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Prince of Wales, British Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and other dignitaries.
The event marked a historic moment for the British monarchy, as it was the first time Prince William represented the sovereign at an international funeral.
During the ceremony, President Trump and the First Lady paused inside St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects at the Pope’s coffin before joining the congregation outside in the square.
However, Trump quickly drew attention — and criticism — online for his choice of clothing. While most mourners wore traditional black attire, as is customary at Catholic funerals, Trump stood out in a bright blue suit. Social media users were quick to call out the choice as “disrespectful” and “inappropriate.”
“How disrespectful — Trump is at the Pope’s funeral in a blue suit and looks completely out of place,” one viewer posted. Another commented, “Watching the funeral on BBC News. Trump is in a blue suit while everyone else is in black. No class.”
A third critic added, “Why is Trump wearing a navy suit? He couldn’t wear black for just a few hours to show respect. He stands out for all the wrong reasons, as always.”
Some also pointed out the irony, recalling Trump’s past criticism of Zelenskyy’s casual attire during a White House meeting in February. “Perhaps Zelenskyy could ask him why he didn’t dress more appropriately,” one user joked.
It’s worth noting that President Zelenskyy also faced some criticism for not wearing a formal suit. However, Zelenskyy has repeatedly explained that he will not wear a suit until the war in Ukraine is over — a personal statement that dates back to February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Following the funeral Mass, in a break from tradition, the late Pope’s remains were scheduled to be transported through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, per his final wishes. The Vatican confirmed that a group of poor and needy individuals would gather on the steps to pay their respects, honoring the late Pope’s lifelong commitment to the marginalized.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered the funeral homily, praising the late Pope as “a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone,” according to The Guardian.
“He forged direct connections with individuals and communities, always focusing on those in need,” Re said. “He gave himself without measure, especially to the marginalized and the least among us.”
The Cardinal also reflected on the Pope’s final public appearance — blessing the crowd from the Popemobile on Easter Sunday — and highlighted his vision of the Church as “a home for all, with doors always open, ready to embrace and heal.”
Earlier in the day, President Zelenskyy received a warm round of applause from the crowd after paying his respects inside the Basilica. Before the funeral, Zelenskyy and Trump held a meeting, which White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described as “a very productive discussion.” The two leaders are expected to meet again after the service.
