Donald Trump came in for criticism on Saturday for supposedly “disrespecting” protocol at the funeral of Pope Francis.
World leaders and high-ranking dignitaries gathered in Rome this weekend for the Pope’s final send-off at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, after a requiem mass at St Peter’s Basilica.
It’s estimated that over 200,000 people attended the funeral procession at St Peter’s Square, paying tribute to the former head of the Catholic Church, who died from a stroke and heart complications at age 88. Some 50 world leaders were in attendance, as well as royalty from a number of countries.
Pope Francis passed away last Monday, April 21, just one day after making a public appearance to offer greetings from a balcony at St Peter’s Basilica.
Tributes soon poured in from all over the world. Francis was a progressive pope – that in and of itself was enough to draw criticism from some – but a beloved and inspiring figure who worked tirelessly to the end.
Joining other world leaders to pay his respects to the late sovereign of the Vatican City State was President Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump.
And it should hardly come as a surprise that Trump managed to court controversy even on a day where everything should have been as by-the-book and straightforward as possible.
The POTUS was called out online for a number of things at Pope Francis’ funeral, with one particular moment being dubbed a “disgrace”. Meanwhile, Trump’s presence was labeled by some of his harsher critics as nothing more than an attempt to appeal to his Catholic voters.
First and foremost, Trump’s attire was called into question, after the 78-year-old wore a navy blue suit to the ceremony instead of the traditional all-black perhaps more expected at a Catholic funeral.
In the president’s defense, he wasn’t the only individual to opt for blue instead of black (Prince William wore a dark blue suit as well), but there were plenty of people online who interpreted Trump’s decision as proof of a lack of respect.
Not only that, but Trump was also accused of overstepping the carpeted boundary around Pope Francis’ coffin. It’s claimed that attendees cannot step on the carpet beneath the coffin as it symbolizes the ‘holy ground’ that is reserved for the late pontiff.
Trump’s and Melania’s shoes tip-toed onto the sacred rug, according to reports, while others adhered to the aforementioned rule.
Yet I think we can safely say that these things paled in comparison to certain other things Trump allegedly did during the funeral ceremony, including using his phone, briefly ‘nodding off’ and later chewing gum – and all this while sat in the front row.
Trump was seen on one occasion leaning forward and typing on his phone, before looking up and putting it away. He also began to chew gum before eventually appearing to embrace a power nap by way of shutting his eyes and letting his mouth hang agape.
One critic wrote on Twitter: “Trump at the Pope’s funeral. No traditional black suit, hunched over and sleeping! Just blasphemous!”
Another said: “Donald Trump couldn’t even be respectful and wear a black suit to Pope Francis’ funeral like the rest of world leaders. He always has to stick out and try and be the center of attention.”
“Of course Trump is the only jacka** wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral….such an embarrassment,” penned a third.
What do you make of Donald Trump’s behavior at the funeral for Pope Francis?
READ MORE
- Donald Trump’s website sells “disgusting” new item that violates US constitution
- Donald Trump issues horrifying warning to Zelensky
