As the world’s most powerful leaders gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ funeral, the scene resembled a global summit of dignitaries—solemn, symbolic, and under intense public scrutiny. With eyes fixed not only on the proceedings but also on the decorum of attendees, one detail stood out: the attire.
Traditionally, black is the color of mourning at a papal funeral—a symbol of respect and solemnity deeply rooted in Vatican protocol. Yet, some high-profile attendees chose a different path.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump drew immediate attention by arriving in a sharp blue suit, paired with a light blue tie and his signature American flag lapel pin—an ensemble clearly outside the expected dress code. But Trump wasn’t the only one to go off-script.
Prince William, representing King Charles III, also chose blue—though his suit and tie were of a darker, more subdued shade. While closer to traditional expectations, his outfit still raised eyebrows among royal watchers and protocol experts alike, who didn’t hesitate to label it a sartorial misstep.
Their choices sparked a wave of commentary, with critics questioning whether these fashion deviations were accidental or quiet statements of individuality at one of the most formal religious ceremonies in the world.
As mourners filled St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis, it wasn’t just the emotional tributes or historic gathering of world leaders that captured headlines—it was also the unexpected fashion choices that turned heads.
Among the dignitaries dressed in traditional black, three prominent figures stood out for breaking the strict Vatican dress code: Donald Trump, Prince William, and former U.S. President Joe Biden. All three opted for blue—a color that sharply contrasted the solemn black attire prescribed for such a sacred occasion.
Trump arrived in a bright blue suit, complemented by a light blue tie and his ever-present American flag lapel pin. Prince William, representing King Charles III, wore a darker navy ensemble, slightly more subdued but still outside the Vatican’s expectations. Joe Biden, meanwhile, chose a standard black suit but defied protocol by pairing it with a blue tie.
These wardrobe decisions didn’t go unnoticed, especially given the clarity of the Vatican’s guidelines. According to an Italian newspaper, the protocol is explicit: “For men, a dark suit with a long black tie and a button of the same color on the left lapel of the jacket, where only Vatican honors can be placed. For women, a black dress—preferably long—matching gloves and a black veil, with the only permitted ornament being a string of pearls.”
In a setting where symbolism and respect are paramount, the deviation from traditional funeral attire sparked widespread commentary. Were these style choices a subtle statement, a lapse in judgment, or simply personal preference? Whatever the reason, they added an unexpected layer of intrigue to an already historic day.
One person who seemed to fully understand the gravity and tradition of the occasion was former First Lady Melania Trump. She arrived in a long-sleeved black dress paired with a traditional black lace veil—an ensemble that not only respected Vatican protocol but also paid a quiet tribute to the late pope.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also drew attention—not for breaking the color code, but for his choice of attire. Forgoing a suit entirely, he instead wore a casual black outfit. While not traditional, at least his color choice aligned with the tone of the ceremony. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time his wardrobe caused a stir; he reportedly ruffled feathers during a previous visit to the Oval Office for appearing in similarly informal attire, something that reportedly didn’t sit well with Donald Trump.
All of this raises a curious question: why did global leaders like Prince William, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump decide to sidestep a centuries-old tradition and wear blue instead of black for the funeral of Pope Francis? Was it a fashion oversight, a subtle political signal, or simply a matter of personal choice?
Whatever the reason, their decisions became talking points across headlines, social media, and diplomatic circles—proving once again that in the world of global politics, even the color of a tie can speak volumes.
While the Vatican’s funeral dress code is steeped in centuries of tradition, not everyone who attended Pope Francis’ funeral followed it to the letter—and not everyone was Catholic.
Prince William and Donald Trump, for instance, both opted for blue attire rather than the customary black. As non-Catholics—Trump being a nondenominational Christian and William a member of the Church of England—they may not have felt bound by the Vatican’s strict dress expectations. In many non-Catholic traditions, funeral dress codes are more flexible, and their choices may have simply reflected the norms of their own faiths.
But the same can’t be said for Joe Biden. As a practicing Catholic and the second Catholic president in U.S. history, Biden’s decision to wear a blue tie rather than a black one stood out even more. For someone deeply familiar with Catholic customs, his subtle break from protocol raised eyebrows—and questions.
These breaches did not go unnoticed. Social media buzzed with commentary, with users pointing out the symbolism and speculating on whether the fashion choices were intentional, dismissive, or merely a lapse in preparation.
In a setting where every gesture is interpreted through a lens of diplomacy, tradition, and faith, even a tie color can spark international conversation.