A Solemn Gathering in Rome
On April 26, 2025, the world’s eyes turned to Vatican City as hundreds of thousands of faithful and dignitaries gathered to mourn the passing of Pope Francis. Following the requiem Mass celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica, a funeral procession wove through St. Peter’s Square toward the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the late pontiff was laid to rest. An estimated 400,000 mourners—including kings and queens, heads of state, prime ministers, and grassroots pilgrims—paid their last respects to the 266th Bishop of Rome, whose eighteen-year papacy was marked by a spirit of humility, outreach, and reform.
Among the international delegation was U.S. President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. Their presence underscored the ceremony’s global importance, yet almost immediately sparked controversy. Viewers around the world—and especially on social media—were quick to critique what they perceived as departures from the traditional decorum expected at a papal funeral. Within hours, many branded the president’s behavior a “disgrace,” accusing him of flouting both dress-code conventions and the solemnity of the occasion itself.
This article explores each element of protocol that observers say was breached, outlines the historical and cultural underpinnings of those traditions, and considers the broader significance for diplomatic etiquette when a head of state steps into one of the most hallowed ceremonies of the Catholic Church.
Remembering Pope Francis: His Final Wishes and Legacy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88. His declining health—compounded by a stroke and longstanding heart issues—culminated in his passing at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Almost immediately, Rome became a pilgrimage site. Street vendors sold candles bearing his likeness; flowers and handwritten notes covered the steps of churches nationwide. For many, Francis symbolized a break from ostentation and a renewed emphasis on social justice, environmental stewardship, and pastoral care for the marginalized.
In his final testament, Francis had requested simplicity in his funeral rites. He spoke of a “humble coffin,” entrusted to the Virgin Mary, so that even in death his life would echo the Gospel’s message of poverty and fraternity. Those instructions set the tone for what the Vatican described as a “punctiliously simple” ceremony—one that would foreground prayer and communal mourning rather than ritual opulence.
Over the course of the week, cardinals and bishops deliberated details: the layout of the basilica, the placement of the coffin, the readings and musical selections. World leaders received formal invitations through diplomatic channels. Each delegation was briefed on appropriate attire, seating arrangements, and movement procedures. For many of these visitors—some of whom had known Francis personally—the funeral was as much a private farewell as it was a public spectacle.
Dress Code Protocol: Tradition Meets Controversy
The Importance of Black at Catholic Funerals
In Catholic tradition, black attire serves as the universal symbol of mourning and respect. From the local parish funeral to the Mass of Christian Burial for a pope, clergy and laity alike don dark garments to signify sorrow and solidarity. In Rome’s April chill, the expectation was unambiguous: guests would wear black suits or dresses, complemented by black ties and veils for women, to create a uniform visual tapestry of grief.
President Trump’s Navy Ensemble
Departing from this longstanding custom, President Trump appeared in a navy-blue suit paired with a bright blue tie. Against a backdrop of predominantly black-clad attendees—among them Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and King Felipe VI of Spain—Trump’s attire stood out conspicuously. Even Prince William, whose suit was a darker shade of navy, was perceived by some as bordering on the informal.
Social-media users were swift in their condemnation. One commentator asked rhetorically, “Why is the American president the lone leader in blue at a funeral meant to honor life’s finality?” Another tweeted, “Wearing blue instead of black at the Vatican is not just a fashion faux pas—it’s a statement of indifference.” While some defenders pointed out that various faith traditions tolerate more flexible funeral dress norms, the general consensus among Vatican protocol experts was that wearing anything but black—even a somber navy—was inconsistent with the deeply symbolic nature of a papal funeral.
Crossing the Sacred Threshold: The Carpet Incident
The Sanctity of the Papal Catafalque
Within the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a modest red carpet had been laid out to mark the “holy ground” reserved for the pope’s catafalque. By centuries-old convention, no attendee steps onto this carpet; instead, mourners halt at its border to offer a final prayer or moment of silence. The gesture acknowledges that the pontiff—both earthly leader and spiritual father—is uniquely set apart in Catholic theology.
Stepping Over the Line
During the procession, both President Trump and the First Lady were photographed with the tips of their shoes brushing—or in some frames, tangibly stepping—onto the ceremonial carpet. Vatican insiders later confirmed that protocol officers had repeatedly reminded every delegation: “Do not step onto the red carpet.” Yet in the solemn flow of the event, the Trumps appeared either unaware of, or unconcerned by, the boundary.
The optics of this breach resonated far beyond Rome. International news outlets labeled it nothing short of an “ultimate disrespect,” with one leading analyst writing, “Crossing onto that hallowed carpet sent a message of inadvertent irreverence that will linger in diplomatic circles for months.” A veteran Vatican diplomat privately lamented, “Even the smallest infraction is magnified at a funeral of this magnitude. Protocol is not about petty rules—it’s about shared reverence.”
Technology in the Sanctuary: Phone Usage at Mass
Reverence versus Practicality
While modern liturgies sometimes accommodate the discreet use of smartphones—often for language translation or emergency communications—casual scrolling or texting during Mass is widely regarded as distracting and inappropriate. In a setting where silence and prayer take precedence, every movement is under scrutiny.
The President on His Device
Broadcast footage captured President Trump leaning forward in his seat to consult his cellphone. He appeared to type messages, glance toward the screen, and then tuck the device away—actions repeated multiple times during the service. Although the cameras’ wide angles showed a handful of other diplomats briefly checking devices, none matched the president’s frequency or prominence in the front row.
Critics seized on the images. “If the pope were alive, he would much prefer that you lift your eyes in prayer, not in pings and notifications,” opined one editorial. “The sight of the American president absorbed in his phone erodes the ceremony’s sacred atmosphere.” White House aides later insisted that Trump had been accessing real-time briefing notes, but observers noted that no official statement clarified the phone’s exact use.
A Front-Row Nap: When Fatigue Undermines Solemnity
The Unforgiving Lens
The global livestream spared no detail. Within the hushed confines of St. Peter’s, viewers spotted the president nodding off: eyes closed, head tilting, and—in at least one instance—a brief mouth ajar. Snippets of the nap circulated widely on social media, accompanied by captions such as “Asleep at the Altar” and “Siesta in the Sistine.”
Context and Criticism
While traveling heads of state often endure grueling schedules, the White House calendar showed no official engagements on April 25 or the morning of April 26 that could have justified acute exhaustion. Political commentators noted that Trump’s jet lag from transatlantic flights might explain a measure of fatigue—but in an event billed as the “funeral of the century,” such a lapse was difficult to defend.
A Vatican usher, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the scene as “painful to witness,” adding, “We want every leader to share in our grief, not nod through it.” In diplomatic trainings, participants are coached on posture and attentiveness: a mild head tilt can denote respectful reflection, but a sleep posture conveys disinterest. For many viewers, the president’s brief slumber crossed that blurry line.
Chewing Gum in a Sacred Space
Etiquette at the Altar
Chewing gum inside a Catholic church—especially during Mass—is considered a breach of decorum. The act suggests casualness incompatible with the sanctuary’s reverence and the solemn ritual of the Eucharist.
The Moment Captured
Mid-service, cameras caught President Trump removing a stick of gum from its wrapper and discreetly placing it in his mouth. The crunch of chewing reverberated in subsequent frames, prompting disbelief among viewers.
On platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), posts read: “He’s chewing gum at one of the holiest ceremonies in Christendom—unbelievable!” Another user quipped, “Sidewalk café etiquette would be more fitting than chewing gum on the altar steps.” Vatican liturgy experts emphasized that no rulebook explicitly mentions gum—but that doesn’t negate the expectation of total focus and sobriety during the liturgy.
A Hasty Exit: Early Departure Sparks Critique
Standard Departure Protocol
After the recessional hymn and final blessing, attending heads of state typically engage in brief private exchanges—offering condolences to the camerlengo (the chamberlain overseeing the interregnum), greeting senior Vatican officials, or sharing a few words with fellow delegates. Such interactions can last from five to fifteen minutes, providing a dignified transition from ceremony to departure.
Trump’s Rapid Departure
As soon as the casket disappeared from view, President Trump rose promptly, briskly walked down the nave’s center aisle, and exited alongside his delegation. Video analysis shows that less than five minutes elapsed between the final blessing and Trump’s departure—far shorter than the ten-to-fifteen-minute interval recorded for most other leaders.
That swiftness fueled speculation that the president treated the funeral less as a moment of solemn farewell and more as a photo opportunity. One diplomatic watcher observed, “In skipping the customary private condolences, he missed a crucial moment of shared humanity—a handshake, a whisper, a pause. Those details speak volumes in international relations.”
Social-Media and Press Reactions
Trending Hashtags and Hot Takes
Within hours, hashtags such as #DisgraceAtTheVatican, #ProtocolFail, and #RespectTheRitual trended worldwide. Memes juxtaposed images of Trump chewing gum or squinting at his phone with quotations from Francis’s teachings on humility and attention.
International press ran scathing headlines:
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“US President’s Faux Pas Overshadows Papal Farewell”
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“Trump’s Colorful Suit and Cellphone Snubs Enrage Catholics”
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“When Worlds Collide: Presidential Style Versus Papal Protocol”
Expert Commentary
Protocol specialists weighed in across broadcasts and op-eds. Dr. Elena Rossi, a professor of diplomatic studies at Rome’s La Sapienza University, argued that protocol serves as a universal language: “These rules exist so that the ceremony’s meaning transcends individual preferences. When a leader ignores them, the ceremony itself risks being hijacked by personal spectacle.”
A senior Vatican official, speaking anonymously, told L’Osservatore Romano, “We forgive human error in private life, but at the altar every gesture carries theological resonance. Even the slightest misstep can distract from the transcendent purpose of the gathering.”
Understanding Diplomatic Etiquette at Papal Funerals
Historical Precedents
Since at least the funeral of Pope Pius XI in 1939, state visitors have adhered strictly to Vatican protocols. Kenneth Clark, a British foreign-service officer who attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, later recounted in his memoir how “every movement felt measured against centuries of liturgical tradition. One step astray could provoke murmurs among the cardinals.”
The Role of Protocol Officers
Each visiting delegation brings a team of protocol advisors tasked with memorizing Vatican-specific guidelines: seating charts, timing of processional steps, permissible gestures, and even the correct side on which to bow. In the American delegation, multiple aides were assigned to accompany the president. Yet video evidence suggests these advisors were unable—whether by misjudgment or miscommunication—to prevent the key breaches.
Why It Matters
Diplomatic rituals are not mere formalities; they symbolize mutual respect and understanding. When a world leader disregards these times-honored customs, it can be interpreted as a lack of respect not only for the host country but also for the shared values that underpin international cooperation. In the case of a papal funeral—a ceremony steeped in spiritual significance—the ramifications extend into religious and cultural realms, potentially straining relations with millions of Catholic faithful.
Broader Implications for U.S. Diplomacy
Perception among Catholic Communities
With an estimated one-quarter of the global population identifying as Catholic, the papacy commands enormous moral influence. U.S. presidents routinely seek to demonstrate solidarity with Catholic leaders to reinforce partnerships on key issues: global poverty, climate change, refugee crises, and human rights. Missteps at a papal funeral risk undercutting that rapport.
Political Ramifications at Home
Domestically, Trump’s actions quickly became fodder for both critics and supporters. Opponents seized upon the images as evidence of the president’s alleged impulsiveness and disregard for decorum. Allies, meanwhile, argued that the criticism was emblematic of a broader media bias, contending that comparable gaffes by past administrations had gone unnoticed or unreported.
Lessons for Future Occasions
Diplomats and White House staff will almost certainly scrutinize this event as a case study in high-stakes ceremony. A senior U.S. protocol officer—speaking anonymously—told Foreign Service Journal that “we will revisit every decision point: the wardrobe briefing, the seating orientation, the walk-through rehearsals. Even minor adjustments in communication protocols could prevent a recurrence.”
Conclusion: Respecting Ritual in a Media-Driven Age
The funeral of Pope Francis was intended as a unifying moment—a final testament to a pontiff who championed dialogue, compassion, and humility. Yet amid the sea of black, one figure in navy print—President Trump—drew outsized attention for his sartorial choice and protocol lapses. From the moment his blue suit appeared on screen, to the inadvertent step onto sacred carpeting, the furtive glances at a cellphone, the brief nods to sleep, the crunch of chewing gum, and the hurried departure—each act was amplified by millions of viewers and recirculated across every digital platform.
In today’s hyperconnected world, every gesture of a head of state is recorded, dissected, and recontextualized. Rituals that once unfolded behind closed doors are now communal spectacles. Protocol, far from being anachronistic, provides a vital framework for shared meaning—especially at ceremonies that transcend national borders and religious divides. For President Trump, the funeral of Pope Francis offered an occasion to publicly affirm respect for a global spiritual leader. Instead, a series of small missteps painted a cautionary tale: even the most seasoned political figure must approach sacred traditions with deference and attention to detail.
As diplomats and protocol advisors reflect on this event, one clear lesson emerges: in the theater of global ceremony, every detail matters. The world may forgive a lapse of memory or a moment of fatigue—but it will not soon forget the image of the leader who missed the mark at one of the most solemn gatherings of our time.
Sophia Rivers is an experienced News Content Editor with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for delivering accurate and engaging news stories. At TheArchivists, she specializes in curating, editing, and presenting news content that informs and resonates with a global audience.
Sophia holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Toronto, where she developed her skills in news reporting, media ethics, and digital journalism. Her expertise lies in identifying key stories, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring journalistic integrity in every piece she edits.
Known for her precision and dedication to the truth, Sophia thrives in the fast-paced world of news editing. At TheArchivists, she focuses on producing high-quality news content that keeps readers informed while maintaining a balanced and insightful perspective.
With a commitment to delivering impactful journalism, Sophia is passionate about bringing clarity to complex issues and amplifying voices that matter. Her work reflects her belief in the power of news to shape conversations and inspire change.