Selfies and Silence Broken: Biden’s Behavior at Pope Francis’ Funeral Sparks Global Uproar
Joe Biden’s ‘Inappropriate’ Behavior at Pope Francis’ Funeral Causes a Stir — Video
After taking selfies while arriving at the Pope’s funeral over the weekend, the former US president came under fire.
Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, went to Pope Francis’s burial in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 26, 2025. Many people came to commemorate His Holiness’ life and say goodbye, including the former president of the United States.
He and his spouse were seated at the rear of the foreign dignitaries’ section because they were no longer heads of state.
Biden was spotted taking pictures with other officials as he arrived, which many felt was improper for such a serious occasion. Social media was used by viewers to voice their discontent.
One unhappy viewer said, “Taking selfies at the pope’s funeral is incredibly inappropriate [sic].” Another person said, “Selfies at a funeral is a lot disrespectful,” in disagreement.
“Selfies at a funeral? Wow. It’s messed up. Another viewer said, “People, there’s a place and a time for that kind of thing. Another commenter on X said, “What a disrespect to the Pope to take pictures [sic].”
Another accuser exclaimed, “Look how Biden is using the Pope’s funeral for photo ops?!?” Thomas Tayebwa, a member of parliament from Uganda, was one of the people who posed with Biden.
In a tribute post on X, Tayebwa shared pictures from the funeral, including one of him and Biden together. “Together with my sister the Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, we joined world leaders and the faithful for the burial of His Holiness Pope Francis today at Vatican,” wrote the pontiff.
“I’m happy I had the opportunity to say goodbye to my spiritual mentor, who held great personal significance for me. Tayebwa ended, “May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away. Later, the Vatican disclosed that a stroke was the cause of his death. He was eighty-eight.
Biden posted his sincere condolences on Instagram after learning of the Holy Father’s demise. Biden said he was deeply saddened by the news of His Holiness’s passing and included a picture of himself and Pope Francis deep in conversation.
He declared that Pope Francis would be regarded as one of the “most consequential leaders” of our time and that “he was unlike any who came before him.” His words, “I am better for having known him,” were shared.
Not just Biden’s attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral generated a lot of online discussion. See the images and videos that got everyone talking, from a video of their departure that started “fake Melania” allegations to her attendance at the late Pope’s funeral.
Donald and Melania Trump were apprehended on April 25, 2025, while traveling from the United States to Rome to attend Pope Francis’ burial. But pictures and videos of the couple getting on an airplane went viral online, sparking a lot of conjecture.
Given that her appearance and body language were different from what they had become accustomed to, some internet users questioned whether the woman spotted with the president was actually Melania.
As screenshots and video clips were circulated on multiple media, theories of a “fake Melania” gained momentum and sparked intense discussion.”Definitely not Melania; no heels and very light hair. Melania wears heels all the time!” a netizen wrote.
Similar sentiments were expressed by another, who insisted that the actual First Lady would never wear flat shoes and would probably steer clear of going abroad with her husband for the duration of the trip. “It sure doesn’t look like her—the forehead and jawline seem different,” someone person said.
The idea that a stand-in was utilized was further supported by a commentator who noted that the woman in the video walked too loosely in contrast to Melania’s usually stiff and composed manner.
The Trumps finally arrived in Rome and went to the late Pontiff’s burial on April 26 despite the online commotion that preceded their trip. Wearing a long, fitted coat and a gorgeous black lace veil over her head, Melania looked sober and sophisticated in a traditional black outfit.
Her accessories, which highlighted a dignified and classic style suitable for the occasion, including lace gloves and a delicate cross necklace.
Donald was wearing a deep blue tie, a spotless white shirt, and a navy blue suit. He had his American flag pin on the lapel of his jacket.
Throughout the ceremony, the pair remained calm and courteous, their solemn expressions conveying the seriousness of the occasion. Both Donald and Melania looked concentrated during the service, and photos showed their involvement and calm demeanor.
Social media was ablaze with responses after their appearance, with many users continuing to hold the belief that the First Lady did not look like herself. “Melania has changed appearance. Part of one person asked, “Is it really her?” “What happened to her face?” said another. In contrast, another person said, “Her face looks like it’s melting off.”
Donald and Melania not only went to the funeral, but they also paid Pope Francis a secret visit at St. Peter’s Basilica. They stood in front of the late pontiff’s coffin in a private moment, with two Swiss Guards in their traditional vibrant uniforms on either side.
Standing next to her husband in the photo taken during their visit, Melania wore funeral regalia, with her black coat, veil, and high-heeled shoes highlighting a persistent sense of respect.
As they paid their respects, both seemed to be lost in contemplation, and the basilica’s majesty and fine design served as a striking background for the moving scene.
The congregation, which included many international leaders, was asked to shake hands as a “sign of peace” later in the three-hour Catholic Mass. The U.S. President was shown in a video from the funeral service watching the ceremony take place around him but initially choosing not to participate.
Nicola Hickling, a forensic lip reader, claims that Melania intervened to get her husband to act. The Daily Mail was informed by the lip reader that the First Lady allegedly encouraged her husband to start shaking his hands when he showed signs of hesitation.
“You should do it,” she allegedly leaned in and whispered, then reiterated for emphasis. Donald grudgingly extended his hand to French President Emmanuel Macron at her insistence. He reportedly replied, “Oh, alright,” before taking part in the customary act of goodwill.
For Melania, the day had personal meaning as well. She reflected on attending the burial on her special day and thanked supporters for their birthday greetings in an Instagram post on April 27.
“I had the honor of attending Pope Francis’ funeral, on this day, where I prayed for the healing of those who are suffering and for peace in the world,” she stated.
As Melania contemplated the tragic day, the Vatican had already made public the official report on Pope Francis’ death, which confirmed that he had died from a brain stroke that caused a coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
Emotions erupted in St. Peter’s Square after the Pope’s death was announced. In remembrance of the late Pope, pilgrims held rosaries, prayed, and stood in silence.
In honor of Pope Francis’ ancestry, one mourner draped themself in an Argentine flag. Others gazed up at the now-vacant balcony where, only the day before, Jesus had blessed the audience. “I am sad,” Brigitte Thalhammer remarked, joining numerous others who were considering the gravity of the situation. “He was very, very important.”
Following the conclusion of a rosary, the piazza erupted in spontaneous applause, a final show of appreciation for the 88-year-old pope who had influenced ten years of Catholic Church history.
Following months of health issues that caused anxiety around the world, Pope Francis passed away. On February 14, 2025, he was brought to Gemelli Hospital in Rome to receive treatment for pneumonia in both lungs.
He cycled between non-invasive mechanical breathing at night and high-flow oxygen during the day, according to medical reports at the time.
Despite his illness, Francis continued to perform his spiritual duties from his hospital room. His medical staff even sent in a cake to celebrate the 12th anniversary of his election, and he followed the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia via video.
Within a complicated framework, the Vatican described his status as clinically stable. After two weeks of noticeable improvement, doctors announced in late March that the Pope would be released from the hospital after a 38-day stay that had twice endangered his life.
His personal doctors were hopeful that he may return to full activity in time, even though he would need two months of rest and was discouraged from attending big meetings. March 23 was the official day of his release. He went back to the Vatican that day to recuperate in Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis then made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20. He gave Cardinal Angelo Comastri the task of celebrating the day’s Mass and then blessed people from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The world will find out that it was his parting moment hours later. Pope Francis died in his home at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, according to confirmation from the Vatican.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the official announcement from Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 a.m., expressing appreciation and sadness. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he stated. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”
The Pope’s remains will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 so that the faithful can pay their condolences, according to the Holy See Press Office. After the first General Congregation of Cardinals, that plan was supposed to be finalized.
The Pope’s body was placed in a casket in the chapel of his home at 8 p.m. on Monday, marking the official certification of his death. Cardinal Farrell validated the act, which lasted less than an hour.
The second story of Casa Santa Marta, where he had resided, and the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace were likewise sealed. Later, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni reported that close associates of Pope Francis had started to pay their respects. He added that plans for the funeral had not yet been finalized.
“Oh my God he is now resting,” a commenter on the internet said. “Rest in peace, as you well deserve 🙏,” another wrote, and a third penned, “Rip [sic] Pope 🙏 you will be missed.”
