How did the public react to Trump’s protocol missteps at Pope Francis’ funeral?
On April 26, 2025, world leaders gathered in Vatican City to honor Pope Francis at his funeral. The event was a solemn moment to celebrate the life of a beloved pontiff.
Among the attendees was U.S. President Donald Trump, whose actions sparked widespread discussion.
While many focused on paying their respects, Trump’s behavior drew criticism for not following expected traditions.
What exactly happened to cause such a stir?
Trump’s Protocol Missteps at Pope Francis’ Funeral
The Vatican has clear guidelines for papal funeral attire. Men are expected to wear a dark suit, a black tie, and a black lapel pin.
Women should wear long black dresses with gloves and a veil. Most leaders, including First Lady Melania Trump, followed these rules.
Melania wore a black dress and a traditional lace veil. However, President Trump stood out in a bright blue suit with a matching blue tie and an American flag pin.
This choice led to online backlash. Many called it disrespectful, with one social media user saying, “Why is Trump the only one in a blue suit?
It’s a funeral, not a campaign event.” Others noted that Prince William and former President Joe Biden also wore blue, but Trump’s lighter shade drew more attention.
A Vatican source clarified that the dress code wasn’t strictly enforced, but the expectation was clear. Trump’s outfit made him appear out of place among the sea of black attire.
Other Questionable Actions
Beyond his clothing, Trump’s behavior during the ceremony raised eyebrows. Reports suggest he stepped onto a sacred carpet near Pope Francis’ coffin, an area reserved for the pontiff.
Most attendees, like Prince William and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, kept their distance. Trump and Melania’s misstep was seen as a lack of awareness.
One observer commented online, “They were told to stay off the rug, but they didn’t listen.”
Trump was also spotted using his phone during the service, which many found inappropriate. Some claimed he appeared to be typing or even dozing off at times.
These actions led to accusations that he wasn’t fully engaged in the solemn event. One critic wrote, “Trump couldn’t even stay off his phone for the Pope’s funeral. It’s embarrassing.”
Additionally, Trump left the service early, which some interpreted as a lack of respect for the occasion.
Mixed Reactions and Context
Not everyone agreed that Trump’s actions were disrespectful. Some supporters argued that he wasn’t Catholic, so he wasn’t bound by Vatican traditions.
One X post stated, “Trump isn’t Catholic, and neither is Prince William. They wore what they felt was appropriate.”
Others praised Trump’s presence, saying it showed America’s respect for Pope Francis. The White House defended Trump, with a spokesperson saying he and Melania honored the Pope’s legacy.
Over 50 world leaders attended the funeral, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The event was a historic moment, with 200,000 mourners in St. Peter’s Square. Trump’s actions, however, became a focal point, overshadowing his diplomatic meetings, like one with Zelenskyy before the service.
While some saw his behavior as a minor issue, others felt it reflected poorly on his role as a global leader.
In the end, Trump’s protocol missteps at Pope Francis’ funeral sparked a debate about respect and tradition.
Whether intentional or not, his actions left a lasting impression on those watching around the world.
