The world held its breath this weekend as Pope Francis was laid to rest — but it wasn’t just the solemnity of the occasion that made headlines.
Donald Trump’s outfit drew instant backlash, Melania’s behavior left onlookers puzzled, and a public snub involving French President Emmanuel Macron sparked international buzz. And as if that wasn’t enough, President Joe Biden found himself under fire for a reason that was anything but flattering.
‘Extremely inappropriate’
The weekend became a deeply emotional chapter in the Vatican as the world gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a history-making funeral at St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025.
But as dignitaries, pilgrims, and faithful Catholics gathered in mourning, a surprising moment involving former U.S. President Joe Biden sparked a wave of online outrage.
Biden, who attended the funeral alongside his wife, Jill, stirred controversy by taking selfies upon arrival — an act many considered deeply inappropriate during such a solemn event. Social media exploded with criticism.
“Snapping selfies at the Pope’s funeral is extremely inappropriate,” one user posted on X.
Another added, “Wow, selfies at a funeral. That’s messed up.”
Despite no longer being President, Biden was among high-profile attendees and was seated toward the back of the foreign dignitaries’ section. Among those snapping photos with him was Ugandan MP Thomas Tayebwa, who later shared one of the images in a tribute post, calling the late Pope his “spiritual leader.”
But for many online, it was the timing of the photos — not the sentiment — that raised eyebrows. One person commented, “Notice how Biden is using the Pope’s funeral for photo ops?!!” sparking accusations of political grandstanding.
Meanwhile, another couple drew attention — but for a very different reason.
Critics argue that funerals are meant to be somber, reflective events — not photo ops — and snapping personal pictures, especially ones that seem posed or casual, can come off as deeply disrespectful to both the grieving family and the memory of the deceased.
Using a funeral for self-promotion or social media content can come across as insensitive or tone-deaf, regardless of intent.
Fake Melania theory
Donald and Melania Trump also attended the funeral, but it wasn’t long before “Fake Melania” theories resurfaced. A clip of the couple boarding a plane in the U.S. went viral the day before the funeral, with viewers claiming Melania looked “off.”
“Definitely not Melania; hair too light and no heels,” one netizen wrote.
Another said, “Her face looks like it’s melting off.”
Despite the speculation, Melania appeared at the Vatican in a black coat, heels, and a lace veil — elegant and traditional. But even at the service, more drama followed.
According to a forensic lip reader interviewed by The Daily Mail, Melania allegedly nudged Donald during the Mass to participate in the “sign of peace” ritual.
“Oh, alright,” Trump muttered before reluctantly shaking hands with French President Emmanuel Macron.
And in a personal touch, Melania later revealed the funeral took place on her birthday.
“I prayed for healing and peace in the world,” she shared on Instagram.
Spontaneous applause
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, had spent months battling health complications.
Despite serious setbacks, he continued his duties until the very end — his final public blessing coming just one day before his passing.
As his body lay in state, mourners filled St. Peter’s Square — some wrapped in Argentine flags, others clutching rosaries. When the final prayer ended, spontaneous applause broke out—an emotional farewell to the first pope from the Americas.
But while the world grieved, the Biden selfie saga — and the ongoing Melania rumors — proved that even at a funeral for a global icon, controversy is never far behind.
At the end of the day, is taking a selfie at a funeral really that big of a deal? Some argue it’s disrespectful, but others might say it’s just another way to capture a memory, even in a somber setting. Does a quick photo take away from the gravity of the moment, or is it just a sign of the times? What do you think — should funerals be off-limits for selfies?
