Donald Trump somehow manages to steal the spotlight wherever he goes — even at Pope Francis’ funeral.
The 78-year-old has been heavily criticized online, with many accusing him of showing “no respect” because of what he wore to the pontiff’s final farewell today (26 April).
Leaders from around the world — including presidents, prime ministers, and cardinals — have gathered in Vatican City to honor 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 the big names attending.
An open-air funeral mass is currently taking place in St Peter’s Square for Pope Francis, who chose a more simple ceremony instead of the usual grand tradition.
The 88-year-old is being laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, inside a plain wooden coffin lined with zinc, rather than the usual three stacked coffins made of cypress, lead, and elm.
Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania, were seen stopping for a moment as they passed by Pope Francis’ coffin to pay their respects.
As the couple took their place among rows of world leaders dressed in dark clothes, many people pointed out that the US President stood out like a sore thumb because of what he was wearing.
While everyone else seemed to be dressed in black, following Catholic tradition as a sign of respect, Trump showed up in a blue suit.
His choice of color caught attention for all the wrong reasons. Plenty of people watching the live coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral went on social media to call him out for having “no class.”
One person posted on X: “Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?”
Another commented: “I see that Trump’s wearing a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral so that he stands out. T**ser!”
Someone else said: “Watching the funeral on BBC News. Trump is in a blue suit when everyone else is in black. No class.”
And another wrote: “Why is Trump wearing a blue suit while everyone else is in black? No respect.”
While a fifth person commented: “Looking to be noticed – Trump wears a blue suit while others around him confirm with traditional black.”
Many also pointed out the irony, remembering how Trump had previously criticized Zelenskyy for not wearing formal clothes during a meeting at the White House back in February.
Another person said: “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. Doesn’t he own a black suit? Desperate to be noticed at a funeral – zero respect.”
Someone else 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?”
After the funeral ceremony in the square, Pope Francis’s body will be carried through the streets of Rome — another break from tradition — and taken to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, following his own wishes.
According to the Vatican, a group of ‘poor and needy’ individuals will gather on the steps of the basilica to pay their final respects before the Pope’s coffin is laid to rest, reflecting Francis’s lifelong dedication to the marginalized.