Funerals are often moments of reflection—times when we come together to honor the departed, while also reconnecting with loved ones we may not have seen in years. It’s a delicate balance between mourning and human connection.
At the funeral of Pope Francis, world leaders and dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects to a spiritual giant. Among them was former U.S. President Joe Biden. However, his appearance has stirred controversy online after he was seen engaging in behavior that many viewers found inappropriate for the solemn occasion.
Joe Biden, accompanied by his wife Jill, attended the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26. While there to honor the late pontiff, the former president drew criticism after being seen smiling and posing for selfies during the solemn event—an act that sparked mixed reactions online.
Biden, the second Roman Catholic U.S. president after John F. Kennedy, has often spoken warmly of Pope Francis, calling him a “light of faith and love.” His visible admiration for the Pope has made the controversy over his conduct at the funeral all the more striking.
Following the passing of the head of the Catholic Church, Joe Biden expressed his deep admiration, stating, “He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time, and I am better for having known him.”
He went on to add, “He made everyone feel welcome and seen by the Church. He championed equity and worked tirelessly to end poverty and suffering worldwide. Above all, he was a Pope for everyone—truly the People’s Pope, a beacon of faith, hope, and love.”
After being spotted smiling, greeting others, and taking selfies at the solemn funeral, many online commentators have labeled him a “national embarrassment,” expressing their disapproval of his behavior during such a reverent occasion.
