Trump's Controversial Conduct Overshadows Pope Francis' Funeral: What Really Happened?

In the tapestry of global events where somber tones and restrained decorum would typically dominate, one figure remains a persistent splash of color and controversy, never fading into the background. At Pope Francis’ understatedly poignant funeral, where tradition was gently set aside for a personal touch, Donald Trump, in his blue suit, decided to disrupt the visual harmony with the subtlety of a supernova at a stargazing event. Imagine, there he is, not just visible but vibrantly so, amidst a sea of black mourning attire, prompting the inevitable question of how one can inadvertently turn a farewell into a spectacle of color critique. Is it audacity, a fashion faux pas, or a subconscious desire to remain the focal point even in reverence?

Join me as we delve into the spectacle of the suit, the murmurs of the mourning crowd, and what this says about a man who can’t help but be noticed, even when honoring one of the world’s most influential figures. LEARN MORE

Donald Trump somehow ends up being the centre of attention wherever he goes – even when it’s Pope Francis’ funeral.

A host of people have slammed the 78-year-old online, claiming that he has shown ‘no respect’ with his choice of attire for the pontiff’s final farewell today (26 April).

Presidents, prime ministers and cardinals from around the world have gathered in Vatican City to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.

Prince William, Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Irish President Michael D Higgins are among those in attendance.

An open-air funeral mass in St Peter’s Square is underway for Pope Francis, who went against tradition in favour of an understated funeral.

The 88-year-old is being buried in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major in a plain wooden coffin lined with zinc, as opposed to three separate tapered hexagonal boxes made from cypress, lead and elm.

Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania, were seen pausing as they passed Pope Francis’ coffin to pay their respects.

Viewers could spot Donald Trump a mile off among the sea of black suits (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

But as the couple then joined the rows of other world leaders dressed in dark attire, people said the US President stuck out like a sore thumb due to his clothing.

Although every other mourner appeared to be sporting black in line with Catholic customs, as it is seen as a sign of respect, Trump opted to wear a blue suit.

His colour pallette has managed to attract attention for all the wrong reasons, as a host of people tuning into the live coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral have taken to social media to accuse him of having ‘no class’.

One person wrote in a post on X: “Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?”

Another said: “I see that Trump’s wearing a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral so that he stands out. T**ser!”

A third commented: “Watching the funeral on BBC News. Trump is in a blue suit when everyone else is in black. No class.”

A fourth added: “Why is Trump wearing a blue suit while everyone else is in black? No respect.”

The President has been slammed for his choice of clothing (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

While a fifth chimed in saying: “Looking to be noticed – Trump wears a blue suit while others around him confirm with traditional black.”

The irony of Trump making previous scathing comments about Zelenskyy’s decision to shun formal attire for a meeting at the White House in February was not lost on people, either.

“Zelenskyy should ask Trump why he’s the only one wearing a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral whilst everyone else (including Trump’s wife) is wearing black,” another person said. “Doesn’t he own a black suit?

“Desperate to be noticed at a funeral – zero respect.”

A second also added: “Why is Trump wearing a blue suit instead of a black one like others. Perhaps Zelenskyy could ask him why he hasn’t dressed more appropriately?”

Following the funeral in the square, Pope Francis’s remains will be taken through the streets of Rome in another break with tradition, as he is transported to the basilica of Saint Mary Major, as per his instructions.

The Vatican said a group of ‘poor and needy’ people will be present on the steps leading to the basilica to pay their last respects before the interment of the coffin, in a nod to Francis’ particular care for the downtrodden.