U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked backlash after a series of perceived protocol breaches during Pope Francis’ funeral, held on April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88, was honored by over 200,000 mourners, including global leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William.
Trump was criticized for wearing a bright navy suit instead of traditional black mourning attire and for stepping onto the carpet surrounding the Pope’s coffin, a space considered sacred. He also drew attention for appearing to scroll on his phone, briefly dozing off, and chewing gum during the ceremony—behavior many viewers deemed disrespectful. Critics have further suggested his attendance was politically motivated to appeal to Catholic voters.
