Former U.S. President Joe Biden Faces Backlash for Taking Selfies at Pope Francis’s Funeral
Joe Biden stirred controversy over the weekend after he was seen taking selfies upon arriving at Pope Francis’s funeral. The solemn event, held on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, drew dignitaries and mourners from around the world. Accompanied by his wife, Jill Biden, the former president joined others in paying tribute to the life and legacy of His Holiness — though his behavior raised eyebrows among onlookers and sparked debate online.
Since neither Joe nor Jill Biden currently holds public office, the couple was seated toward the back of the section reserved for foreign dignitaries.
Upon his arrival, Biden was spotted snapping selfies with fellow officials — a gesture many deemed inappropriate given the gravity of the occasion. The moment quickly circulated online, prompting a wave of criticism on social media from users who felt the behavior clashed with the funeral’s somber tone.
“Snapping selfies at the Pope’s funeral is extremely inappropriate,” one outraged viewer commented. Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “Taking selfies at a funeral is deeply disrespectful — there’s a time and place, and this wasn’t it.”
“Wow, selfies at a funeral. That’s messed up. There’s a time and place for that kind of thing, people,” another viewer chimed in. The criticism continued to pour in on X (formerly Twitter), with one user writing, “What a disrespect to the Pope to take pictures during such a sacred moment.”
“Notice how Biden is using the Pope’s funeral for photo ops?!” another user accused, questioning the former president’s intentions. Among those seen posing for photos with Biden was Ugandan Member of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the incident.
Thomas Tayebwa later shared several photos from the funeral on X, including one showing him alongside Joe Biden. In a tribute post, he wrote, “Together with my sister, the Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, we joined world leaders and the faithful for the burial of His Holiness Pope Francis today at the Vatican.”
Thomas Tayebwa later shared several photos from the funeral on X, including one featuring himself with Joe Biden. In a tribute post, he wrote, “Together with my sister, the Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, we joined world leaders and the faithful for the burial of His Holiness Pope Francis today at the Vatican.” He concluded, “I’m glad I had the chance to bid farewell to my spiritual leader who meant a lot to me personally. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican later confirmed that the cause of death was a stroke, marking the end of a papacy that left a profound impact on the global Catholic community.
Upon hearing of the Holy Father’s passing, Joe Biden took to Instagram to offer his heartfelt condolences. Sharing a photo of himself and Pope Francis engaged in a meeting, the former president expressed his deep sadness at the news of His Holiness’s death, reflecting on the profound loss felt by many around the world.
“He was unlike any who came before him,” Biden said, reflecting on Pope Francis’s unique impact. He went on to add that the late Pope would be remembered as one of the “most consequential leaders” of our time. “I am better for having known him,” Biden shared, honoring the profound influence Pope Francis had on his life and the world.
Biden’s presence at Pope Francis’s funeral wasn’t the only moment that sparked a stir online. From a viral clip of their departure fueling “fake Melania” rumors to Jill Biden’s appearance at the late Pope’s funeral, these moments—along with the photos and videos that followed—had social media buzzing with speculation and debate.
