On April 26, 2025, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. Among the world leaders attending the funeral was former U.S. President Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic and longtime admirer of the late pontiff. While the ceremony was marked by reverence and unity, a few images of dignitaries—shared publicly on social media—sparked mild online discussion about the evolving norms surrounding photography at high-profile religious ceremonies. These conversations highlighted the intersection of diplomacy, tradition, and modern expectations in moments of collective mourning.
Pope Francis’ Funeral: A Global Gathering of Dignitaries
The Vatican funeral drew leaders from across the world, reflecting Pope Francis’s widespread influence and his commitment to humanitarian causes, interfaith dialogue, and global peace. As the first Latin American pope, he made history through his progressive stances on environmental issues, economic inequality, and inclusion.
According to Reuters, among the attendees were:
- U.S. President Joe Biden
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- Prince William, representing King Charles III
- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres
- Various heads of state, religious leaders, and senior Vatican officials
Source: Reuters – Papal Funeral Coverage
The Mass, held in the open-air square before tens of thousands of mourners, was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and concluded with a moment of spontaneous applause—an emotional farewell to a pope who had served more than a decade and whose final public blessing came just one day before his passing.
Joe Biden’s Attendance and Photograph Controversy
Former President Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic and vocal admirer of Pope Francis, traveled with Dr. Jill Biden to the funeral. Biden has spoken publicly on several occasions about the Pope’s messages on faith, climate, and caring for the marginalized. His presence at the funeral was part of a broader representation of the United States at the event.
However, shortly after the funeral, images began circulating online of Biden appearing in photos with other dignitaries, including Ugandan Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who shared one such image on X (formerly Twitter) in a tribute message to Pope Francis, calling him his “spiritual leader.”
Source: Thomas Tayebwa on X
While the photos appeared respectful and were part of diplomatic engagement, some social media users questioned the appropriateness of taking pictures during a solemn religious ceremony.
Critics argued that funerals should be occasions for reflection rather than opportunities for photography, especially by public officials. Others defended the practice, noting that such images often serve as documentation of official presence at state or religious events and are customary in diplomatic contexts.
Cultural Expectations Around Photography at Funerals
The discussion around Biden’s photographs highlights a broader debate about modern customs at funerals, especially state or papal funerals where media coverage and diplomacy intersect. While taking selfies or posed photos at funerals may be considered inappropriate in some cultures, state funerals differ significantly from private ones.
According to etiquette experts, protocol at public funerals often accommodates documentation for historical and diplomatic purposes. In such settings, photography is typically allowed before or after the service, provided it does not disrupt proceedings or detract from the solemnity of the moment.
Source: Emily Post Institute – Funeral Etiquette
There is no official statement from the Vatican criticizing Biden’s conduct. Nor has the Holy See issued any comments indicating disapproval of dignitaries posing for respectful photographs at the event.
Diplomatic Appearances and Funeral Protocol
Funerals of high-profile religious leaders such as popes are also diplomatic events, where leaders often meet, express condolences, and engage in public messaging. Photos with peers or religious figures are common and often part of official documentation by embassies or foreign affairs ministries.
It is important to distinguish between casual, personal selfies and official photography conducted within the bounds of decorum. In this case, available evidence indicates that the images of Biden were not selfies, but rather group photos taken with other attendees, including those from African and European delegations.
Source: Associated Press – Funeral Image Gallery
Broader Reactions and Reflection on Funeral Etiquette
Public response to Biden’s images was mixed. While some voices on social media questioned the optics, others noted that he behaved respectfully throughout the service and used the occasion to honor Pope Francis’s legacy.
A few users highlighted the importance of remembering that leaders—especially those with deep personal ties to the deceased—may grieve and participate in ways that blend public duty with personal reflection. Pope Francis and Biden had met multiple times during the pontificate, with the Pope once calling Biden’s presidency “a gift to the people of God” for his views on climate action and global cooperation.
Source: Vatican News – Pope Francis and Joe Biden
Spontaneous Applause: A Unique Moment of Global Mourning
As the funeral concluded, a rare and emotional gesture occurred: spontaneous applause broke out in St. Peter’s Square. This moment underscored the affection and admiration many felt for Pope Francis, who had served as a voice for the marginalized and championed reform within the Catholic Church.
Pilgrims wrapped in Argentine flags and holding rosaries stood alongside diplomats and clergy from every continent. The moment of applause was a shared act of global unity, acknowledging the life and mission of a spiritual leader whose reach transcended national borders and denominational lines.
Source: BBC News – Final Farewell to Pope Francis
Conclusion: A Moment for Reflection, Not Division
While President Joe Biden’s appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral sparked discussion online, it’s essential to approach such topics with context. In a world increasingly shaped by visual communication and rapid information sharing, moments of diplomacy and mourning often overlap.
Available information indicates that no protocols were broken, and Biden’s conduct remained consistent with his role as a former head of state paying tribute to a global spiritual leader.
As with any event of international importance, reactions will vary. But the central focus remains on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, whose leadership, compassion, and enduring impact on the Catholic Church and the world were honored with dignity.
Sources
- Reuters – Papal Funeral Coverage
- Vatican News – Pope Francis and Joe Biden
- Emily Post Institute – Funeral Etiquette
- BBC News – Pope Francis Laid to Rest
- Associated Press – Papal Funeral Photos
- Thomas Tayebwa on X
