World leaders attending the Pope's funeral have sparked outrage after they were spotted performing a "disrespectful act".
Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 following a stroke, coma, and cardiac arrest after a prolonged hospital stay due to double pneumonia.
His body was displayed in an open coffin at St. Peter's Basilica, where mourners could pay their final respects before his funeral service.
However, what should have been a moment of collective mourning quickly turned into a spectacle criticized by millions online.
Among the most shocking breaches of decorum was a Brazilian priest taking a selfie next to the pope’s coffin and posting it to social media. In response, the Vatican issued a stern warning, telling The Times: "Visitors are invited not to take photos."
Despite this, photographs continued to be snapped — including by some of the world’s most powerful figures.
World leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy jetted to Rome for the funeral.
While some stood respectfully, others were seen snapping pictures during the service, sparking outrage across social media.
One person said: "Who the hell takes photos of a funeral, never mind world leaders, outrageous. Electronic devices should have been banned."
Elsewhere, Joe Biden was seen taking selfies with officials, according to Mail Online, and even a deacon reportedly whipped out his phone to snap a photo with Prince William — although it’s believed this happened before or after the service.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump found himself at the center of yet another controversy — not just for his behavior but for his outfit.
Hundreds of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday (April 26) to pay their respects, with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer among the dignitaries in attendance.
Originally, reports from MSNBC and the Holy See Press Office indicated that Trump would be seated several rows back, placed alphabetically under États-Unis (United States), behind Catholic and non-Catholic royalty.
However, in a surprising turn, Trump secured a prestigious front-row seat. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump sat right near the top steps of St. Peter’s Basilica — close behind Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s dignitaries.
Trump wore a navy blue suit instead of the traditional black attire expected at Catholic funerals, drawing immediate backlash online.
"How disrespectful, Trump is at the Pope’s funeral wearing a blue suit & he looks completely out of place," one critic posted.
“Watching the funeral on BBC News. Trump is in a blue suit when everyone else is in black. No class,” another commented.
However, it wasn’t just Trump facing fashion fury. President Zelenskyy was also criticized for wearing formal clothes rather than a traditional suit.
Yet, Zelenskyy has consistently stated he will not wear a suit again until the war in Ukraine ends — a personal vow he made after martial law was declared on February 24, 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion.