Controversial Attire Sparks Reactions at Pope Francis’ Funeral
On Saturday, April 26, global dignitaries convened in Vatican City to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke and heart failure.
The solemn funeral ceremony, held in the open-air setting of St. Peter’s Square, drew an estimated 200,000 mourners, according to BBC News.
The high-profile gathering included several world leaders and royalty: U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and Prince William—attending on behalf of the British monarchy, marking a historic first.
However, the funeral was not without controversy. Former President Trump drew criticism for wearing a blue suit, diverging from the traditional black attire worn by nearly all attendees.
Online commentators expressed disappointment, calling the choice disrespectful given the ceremonial gravity of the event and Trump’s prior critiques of others’ appearances—most notably Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy himself also faced minor backlash for his informal dress.
However, he has publicly committed to forgoing formalwear until peace is restored in Ukraine—a symbolic gesture tied to the ongoing conflict in his homeland.
In a poignant departure from custom, Pope Francis’ remains were scheduled to be carried through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The procession welcomed the city’s poor and underprivileged, reflecting the late pontiff’s lifelong mission of humility, service, and compassion for the marginalized.
The funeral homily was delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who honored Pope Francis as “a pope among the people.”
He praised the late pontiff for his unwavering dedication to mercy, inclusion, and outreach to the vulnerable throughout his papacy.
