The world held its collective breath this past weekend as Pope Francis was laid to rest — but the solemnity of the moment wasn’t the only thing drawing headlines.
The gathering at St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, was destined to be historic. Over 200,000 mourners, world leaders, and dignitaries filled the Vatican, united in grief for a pope who had touched countless lives. Yet amidst the prayers and tributes, a series of unexpected moments stole the spotlight, sparking international chatter and controversy.
Joe Biden’s arrival triggered immediate backlash. Attending alongside his wife Jill, the former U.S. president was seen taking selfies as he arrived — a move many found jarringly out of place at such a solemn event. Social media lit up with criticism. “Snapping selfies at the Pope’s funeral is extremely inappropriate,” one user fumed. Another echoed the sentiment: “Wow, selfies at a funeral. That’s messed up.”
Biden wasn’t the only one posing for photos. Ugandan MP Thomas Tayebwa shared a tribute featuring a smiling picture with Biden, calling the late Pope his “spiritual leader.” But for many, the timing overshadowed the sentiment, and accusations of political grandstanding quickly surfaced online. Critics argued that a funeral should be a space for quiet reflection, not personal snapshots — no matter how sincere the intentions might be.
Meanwhile, Donald and Melania Trump’s attendance stirred an entirely different kind of speculation. A video of the couple boarding a plane the day before the funeral had already sparked new waves of the long-standing “Fake Melania” conspiracy theory. Observers claimed Melania looked noticeably different, citing everything from her lighter hair color to her footwear choices — flat shoes instead of her trademark heels.
