Selfies, Speculation, and Solemnity: Political Figures Draw Attention at Pope Francis’s Funeral
The funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, brought together world leaders and dignitaries in Vatican City, but it wasn’t just the ceremony that captured headlines — it was also the behavior of some of those in attendance.
Former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were among the prominent figures at St. Peter’s Square. While their presence was expected, Biden’s actions drew criticism online after he was seen taking selfies with other attendees before the service. Although he is no longer president, Biden was seated toward the back of the official dignitaries’ section, following standard protocol. Still, some viewers took issue with what they saw as a breach of decorum at such a solemn occasion.
Social media reactions came quickly, with users calling the selfies “disrespectful” and “inappropriate” at a funeral. One image that spread widely showed Biden posing with Ugandan Member of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. Tayebwa later shared the photo on social media, describing it as a deeply meaningful moment and offering his own tribute to the late pope.
The backlash reflected the emotional gravity surrounding the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88 following a stroke. His nearly 12-year papacy was known for its humility, progressive values, and outspoken advocacy for the poor and marginalized. In a public statement, Biden mourned the pope’s passing, calling him “one of the most consequential leaders of our time” and noting how honored he felt to have met him.
While the Bidens drew scrutiny over a moment of questionable timing, former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump became the center of a different kind of speculation. Before their departure to Rome, video footage of the couple boarding a plane fueled an online theory suggesting that Melania had been replaced by a body double. Observers pointed to perceived differences in appearance — from hairstyle to posture — prompting a wave of conspiracy posts.
However, the Trumps appeared at the funeral in traditional mourning attire. Melania wore a long black coat, high heels, and a black lace veil, while Donald Trump wore a navy suit and blue tie. Both maintained a subdued and respectful demeanor during the service. Forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling later claimed that Melania had whispered, “You should do it,” to Trump during the “sign of peace” ritual, gently encouraging his participation.
After the service, Melania marked her birthday by posting a message reflecting on the day. She said she spent it in prayer, attending the pope’s funeral and asking for peace and healing — highlighting the personal resonance of the occasion.
The funeral drew over 200,000 mourners to St. Peter’s Square, with people from around the world coming to pay their respects. Pope Francis’s final public appearance had been just weeks earlier, offering a blessing on Easter Sunday. In keeping with his legacy of humility, he requested a modest burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Tributes poured in from across the globe, expressing both grief and gratitude for a pope who changed the face of modern Catholicism. As the crowd erupted in spontaneous applause at the end of the funeral, it was clear that Pope Francis’s message of compassion and humility had left a lasting mark — even as political drama played out on the sidelines of his final farewell.
