World Leaders Gather in Vatican City to Honor Pope Francis Amid Controversy Over Trump’s Attire
On Saturday, April 26, dignitaries from across the globe convened in Vatican City to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88 following a sudden stroke and irreversible heart failure.
The solemn open-air funeral Mass, held in St. Peter’s Square, drew an estimated 200,000 mourners, according to BBC News. Among them were U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Prince of Wales, U.K. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and numerous other world leaders and dignitaries.
The service marked a historic moment as Prince William represented the British monarch for the first time at an international funeral.
Prior to the service, President Trump and the First Lady were seen paying their respects before the Pope’s coffin inside St. Peter’s Basilica, later joining mourners in the square. However, what should have been a day of unity and reverence quickly sparked controversy online.
Observers on social media were quick to criticize Trump’s decision to wear a navy blue suit—an apparent break from the traditional black attire typically worn at Catholic funerals as a sign of mourning and respect. His choice stood in stark contrast to the rest of the diplomatic attendees, all dressed in black.
“How disrespectful,” one user wrote. “Trump is at the Pope’s funeral wearing a blue suit and looks completely out of place.” Another comment read: “Everyone else is in black. No class, no respect.” Critics accused the former president of using the occasion to draw attention to himself.
Adding fuel to the controversy, some pointed out the irony of Trump previously mocking Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for wearing informal attire during a White House meeting earlier this year.
“Maybe Zelenskyy should ask Trump why he didn’t dress appropriately this time,” one commenter quipped.
While Trump’s outfit drew widespread criticism, Zelenskyy himself wasn’t spared. Some viewers questioned his choice not to wear formal clothing either. However, many came to his defense, noting his long-standing vow to forgo suits until the war in Ukraine ends—a symbolic stance he has upheld since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Despite the controversies, the funeral itself was a deeply moving tribute to a beloved global figure. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered the homily, remembering Pope Francis as “a pope among the people” and praising his unwavering commitment to the marginalized and vulnerable.
“He maintained his temperament and form of pastoral leadership,” Re said. “He established direct contact with individuals and peoples… especially to the marginalized, the least among us.”
Following the service, Pope Francis’ remains were carried through the streets of Rome in a break with tradition, in accordance with his final wishes. In a poignant moment, a group of poor and needy individuals—those he often championed—gathered on the steps of the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pay their respects.
Earlier in the day, President Zelenskyy received applause from the crowd as he exited St. Peter’s Basilica after paying tribute. He and President Trump also held what was described as a “very productive discussion,” with plans to meet again after the funeral.
As the world bid farewell to a pontiff known for his compassion, humility, and reformist vision, the day was marked by both reverence and reflection—and a reminder that even in grief, symbols and actions speak volumes.