SB. Donald Trump ‘disrespected’ protocol at Pope Francis’ funeral

The funeral of Pope Francis, held at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, drew an estimated 200,000 mourners, including world leaders, dignitaries, and royalty【source: Vatican News】【source: BBC News】. Among those attending was former U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by former First Lady Melania Trump. However, Trump’s conduct during the solemn event quickly became a topic of public discussion, sparking controversy and criticism on social media and in the press.

A Moment of Global Mourning

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, after suffering a stroke and heart complications【source: Vatican News】【source: Reuters】. His passing marked the end of a papacy characterized by efforts to promote inclusivity, address social inequalities, and encourage interfaith dialogue.

As world leaders gathered in Rome to honor the late pontiff, the focus was intended to be on celebrating Francis’ life and enduring legacy of compassion and service to humanity.

Criticism Over Attire

One of the main points of criticism directed at Donald Trump during the funeral centered around his choice of attire. Traditionally, attendees at Catholic funerals—particularly those involving a Pope—are expected to wear black attire as a sign of mourning and respect【source: Catholic News Agency】.

Trump, however, opted for a navy blue suit and matching blue tie, a choice that some critics interpreted as inappropriate for the occasion. Although Trump was not alone—Prince William also wore a dark blue suit—social media users quickly pointed to the former president’s outfit as lacking the traditional solemnity expected at such an event.

While there is no formal Vatican decree specifying that only black suits must be worn, the longstanding custom among Catholic mourners, particularly in highly formal settings like a papal funeral, is to wear black【source: Vatican Etiquette Guidelines】.

Alleged Breach of Funeral Protocol

In addition to his choice of clothing, Trump reportedly overstepped a carpeted boundary surrounding Pope Francis’ coffin. According to Vatican traditions, the carpet around the coffin symbolizes a sacred space reserved for the deceased pontiff【source: Catholic Herald】. Attendees are generally instructed to stay off this carpeted area out of reverence.

Observers noted that Trump and Melania Trump were seen stepping partially onto the carpet, whereas other guests appeared to avoid doing so. While no formal reprimand was issued by Vatican officials, the perceived breach was widely discussed online and criticized by those who felt it showed a lack of respect for Catholic funeral customs.

Further Criticism: Phone Use and Conduct During the Service

Public scrutiny continued as Trump was seen using his mobile phone during the funeral service. According to footage reviewed by multiple news outlets【source: Associated Press】【source: CNN】, Trump was observed leaning forward and typing briefly on his device before putting it away.

Additionally, reports indicated that he was chewing gum during portions of the ceremony and at one point appeared to briefly close his eyes, leading some viewers to claim he had nodded off.

While there are no strict Vatican protocols against discreet phone use, chewing gum and appearing inattentive during such a solemn occasion were perceived by many as breaches of decorum.

Social Media and Public Reaction

The reactions on social media were swift and overwhelmingly critical. Some users accused Trump of turning a solemn moment into an opportunity for self-attention, while others emphasized that he failed to show basic respect for the occasion.

Critics highlighted:

• The navy blue suit as being out of step with the expected mourning attire.
• Apparent disrespect in stepping onto the sacred carpet.
• Phone use, gum chewing, and an apparent lapse in attentiveness during the ceremony.

One social media user wrote: “Trump couldn’t even manage to honor the moment. It’s a funeral, not a campaign stop.” Another added: “When the world comes together to mourn a leader like Pope Francis, respect and dignity should be non-negotiable.”

Context: Presidential Protocol at Religious Ceremonies

While personal behavior at religious ceremonies can vary by individual, it is generally expected that world leaders attending events like papal funerals demonstrate reverence through appropriate attire, respectful behavior, and adherence to cultural or religious norms【source: U.S. State Department Protocol Guidelines】【source: Vatican Diplomatic Etiquette】.

Historically, heads of state attending papal funerals—including those for Pope John Paul II in 2005—have followed established customs such as wearing black attire and maintaining solemnity throughout the proceedings【source: BBC Archive – Pope John Paul II Funeral】.

Conclusion: The Importance of Respect at Global Ceremonies

The funeral of Pope Francis was intended to be a unifying moment of reflection and respect for a global spiritual leader. While Donald Trump’s actions—his attire, demeanor, and use of his phone—may not have formally violated Vatican rules, public perception is a powerful force, especially during high-profile ceremonies broadcast worldwide.

Moments of mourning for significant figures such as Pope Francis call for a universal standard of decorum that transcends politics. The criticisms surrounding Trump’s behavior highlight broader expectations for leaders representing their nations on the global stage: to show respect, humility, and solidarity during moments that transcend individual personalities.

As the world continues to remember Pope Francis for his humility, service, and dedication to unity, the focus should rightly remain on honoring his profound legacy.

Sources:

• Vatican News – Pope Francis Funeral Coverage
• BBC News – Pope Francis Death and Funeral
• Reuters – Pope Francis Death Announcement
• Catholic News Agency – Catholic Funeral Customs
• Vatican Diplomatic Etiquette – Official Guidelines
• Associated Press – World Leaders at Papal Funeral
• CNN – Analysis of State Funeral Etiquette