Pope Francis’s burial on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square unfolded beneath a blanket of cloudy skies, drawing dignitaries, religious leaders, and mourners from every corner of the globe to Vatican City. True to the humility the Pope championed throughout his life, the ceremony reflected his personal wish for simplicity over the grandeur typically associated with papal funerals.
In a departure from the customary three-tiered caskets of cypress, lead, and elm, Pope Francis was laid to rest in a modest wooden coffin, lined with zinc—a choice reflecting both environmental consideration and the Pope’s enduring commitment to humility.
Amid the ceremony’s austere beauty, former US President Donald Trump inadvertently found himself at the centre of attention, drawing a wave of criticism for his decision to wear a navy-blue suit that sharply contrasted with the sea of mourners clad in black.
In stark contrast, Irish President Michael D. Higgins appeared solemn in a traditional black morning coat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wore a dark suit and black tie, and Prince William stood dignified in a tailored black overcoat, each reflecting the solemnity of the occasion.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the solemn funeral mass, which drew a star-studded array of world leaders. First Lady Melania Trump adhered to the occasion’s dress code, wearing a veiled fascinator and an elegant black dress, embodying the decorum expected of such a profound event. However, her husband, Donald Trump, notably deviated from the unwritten dress code.
Within moments of his arrival, social media exploded with criticism, with many condemning his choice as disrespectful. One user on X remarked, “Funerals demand respect, not a fashion statement,” while another commented, “Trump’s blue suit screams, ‘Look at me!’” as he stood among a group of mourning dignitaries.
Critics quickly pointed out the contradiction between Trump’s choice of attire and Catholic tradition, which holds that black symbolizes mourning and respect for the deceased.
The backlash gained traction, partly due to Trump’s own history of policing others’ clothing choices. In February 2023, for instance, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wore a casual khaki jumper to a White House meeting, Trump publicly mocked him, stating, “Leaders should dress properly for serious occasions.” This added fuel to the fire, with many now pointing to Trump’s apparent disregard for the solemnity of the funeral.
Observers were quick to highlight the irony. On MSNBC’s live broadcast, one commentator quipped, “Zelenskyy wore black today—perhaps he should ask Trump why he didn’t return the favor.” Others speculated that Trump’s sartorial choice might be a deliberate attempt to draw more attention, aligning with his well-known penchant for maintaining the spotlight.
A Vatican protocol expert, quoted by Reuters, succinctly captured the essence of the moment: “He can’t blend in, even at a funeral. His entire political brand is metaphorically represented by it.”
The event itself was a powerful reflection of Pope Francis’s profound humility. His coffin, carried by pallbearers from Rome’s underprivileged neighborhoods, broke with centuries of tradition, honoring his lifelong commitment to those less fortunate.
As the procession passed, thousands of mourners lined the streets, many holding handwritten signs reading, “Papa Francesco, Grazie,” a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. His final resting place, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, held special significance. It was here that Francis often prayed in private before the venerated image of the Virgin Mary, frequently sneaking in unnoticed to reflect in solitude. This final act of humility deepened the meaning of his burial, symbolizing a life dedicated to prayer, service, and the people.
As a final gesture of inclusivity, the Vatican invited migrant families, refugees, and homeless individuals to gather on the steps of the church as Pope Francis’s coffin arrived. Their presence was a silent yet powerful protest against global injustice, underscoring the Pope’s lifelong commitment to the marginalized.
Meanwhile, delicate diplomatic moments were marred by Trump’s fashion controversy. While U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a private conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose steadfast leadership during the ongoing conflict has made him a symbol of resilience, seemed to command attention for reasons far removed from the somber occasion.
Zelenskyy had a brief, solemn exchange with Prince William, a quiet moment of diplomacy amidst the ceremony. However, Trump’s bright suit and combative posture sparked heated debates about respect and the performative nature of politics. Cameras seemed to zero in on him throughout, amplifying the contrast between his appearance and the solemn atmosphere. Cultural critic Anne Helen Petersen captured the sentiment on Twitter, stating, “Even in the shadow of death, this was a refusal to conform—it wasn’t just a wardrobe choice.”
Despite the controversy, the Vatican maintained its apolitical stance. Spokesman Matteo Bruni made it clear during a press briefing that the day was “only about honoring [Francis’s] legacy of compassion,” redirecting the focus to the profound humility and service the Pope embodied throughout his life.
Behind the scenes, aides revealed that Pope Francis had specifically requested that eulogies be avoided, urging that the focus should be on “prayer, not praise.” This philosophy was reflected in his simple coffin, adorned only with a modest wooden cross and a handwritten note reading, “Pauper Sum” (I am poor), encapsulating his lifelong humility.
As nightfall descended over Rome, the contrasts of the day grew more pronounced: a former president whose relentless self-assertion clashed with the collective grief of the moment, and a Pope who, having shunned grandeur in life, left a legacy that inspired unparalleled solidarity across the globe in death. For Trump, the funeral became yet another stage for personal theatrics, while the day’s deeper message of simplicity and humility lingered in the hearts of those truly focused on honoring the Pope’s remarkable legacy.
The criticism surrounding Trump’s attire echoed previous controversies—his ill-timed casual golf shirt visit to Pearl Harbor in 2017 and his absence during the 2018 Armistice Day commemorations—moments where his personal branding clashed with public expectations of decorum.
Yet, amid the noise and scrutiny, the quieter, more profound moments of the funeral spoke louder. A nun from Francis’s native Argentina broke down in tears as she touched his casket, a silent tribute to the profound impact the Pope had on those who truly understood his mission. “He saw us,” whispered a Syrian refugee, invited to stand on the basilica steps, their words carrying the weight of a life touched by Francis’s compassion.
Elsewhere, a group of climate activists stood in the shadows, unfurling a banner with a powerful message from the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si’: “The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” This poignant quote underscored the Pope’s environmental advocacy, a reminder of the deep moral call he made to the world—one that transcended the spectacle of the day and focused on its lasting legacy.
The day ultimately belonged to Francis, a man whose simplicity stood up to the strong, despite their final attempts to eclipse him.
