The former president of the United States found himself under fire after taking selfies as he arrived at the Pope’s funeral over the weekend.
On April 26, 2025, Joe Biden attended Pope Francis’s funeral alongside his wife, Jill Biden, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The former POTUS was among many who came to honor His Holiness’s life and bid him farewell.
As they were no longer heads of state, he and his wife were seated at the back of the foreign dignitaries’ section.
Upon arrival, Biden was seen taking selfies with other officials, an action many found inappropriate at such a solemn event. Viewers took to social media to express their disapproval.
“Snapping selfies at the popes funeral is extremely inappropriate [sic],” one disgruntled viewer wrote. “Selfies at a funeral is a lot disrespectful,” another disapproved.
“Wow, selfies at a funeral. That’s messed up. There’s a time and place for that kind of thing people,” another viewer chimed in. The commentary continued on X, as one person wrote, “What a disrespect to the Pope to take pictures [sic].”
“Notice how Biden is using the Pope’s funeral for photo ops?!!” another accused. Among those who took pictures with Biden was Ugandan Member of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
Tayebwa shared photos from the funeral—one of which showed him and Biden pictured together—in a tribute post on X. “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,” he wrote.
“I’m glad I had the chance to bid farewell to my spiritual leader who meant a lot to me personally. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” Tayebwa concluded.
Pope Francis took his last breath on April 21, 2025. The Vatican later revealed that his cause of death was a stroke. He was 88.
Upon hearing of the Holy Father’s passing, Biden took to Instagram to share his heartfelt condolences. Alongside a photo of him and Pope Francis engrossed in a meeting, Biden expressed great sadness in learning of His Holiness’s death.
“He was unlike any who came before him,” he said, adding that Pope Francis would be remembered as one of the “most consequential leaders” of our time. “I am better for having known him,” he shared.
Biden’s appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral isn’t the only one that sparked buzz online. From a clip of their departure that triggered “fake Melania” rumors to her appearance at the late Pope’s funeral, see the photos and videos that had everyone talking.
On April 25, 2025, Donald and Melania Trump were captured departing the United States as they made their way to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. However, footage and photos of the couple boarding a plane circulated online and sparked a flurry of speculation.
Some netizens questioned whether the woman seen with the President was truly Melania, suggesting that her appearance and body language seemed different from what they had come to expect.
Theories about a “fake Melania” gained traction as clips and screenshots were shared across various platforms, fueling widespread debate.”Definitely not Melania; hair too light and no heels. Melania always wears heels!” one netizen shared.
Another person echoed the same sentiment, adamant that the real First Lady would never wear flat shoes and would likely avoid traveling overseas with her husband for the entire trip. Someone else added, “It sure doesn’t look like her-the forehead and jawline seem different.”
Another commenter pointed out that the woman in the clip walked too loosely compared to Melania’s typically rigid and poised demeanor, further fueling theories that a stand-in was used.
Despite the online chatter leading up to their arrival, the Trumps eventually landed in Rome and attended the late Pontiff’s funeral on April 26. Melania appeared somber and elegant in a traditional black ensemble, complete with a long tailored coat and a black lace veil delicately draped over her head.
Her accessories included lace gloves and a subtle cross necklace, highlighting a respectful and timeless look appropriate for the occasion.
Donald was dressed in a navy blue suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a deep blue tie. His American flag pin was prominently displayed on his jacket lapel.
The couple maintained a composed and respectful demeanor throughout the ceremony, their serious expressions reflecting the gravity of the moment. Photographs captured Melania’s composed presence and Donald’s participation, with both appearing focused during the service.
Following their appearance, social media lit up with reactions, with netizens still convinced the First Lady did not look like herself. “Melania looks different. Is it really her?” one person shared in part. Another added, “What happened to her face?” while someone else wrote, “Her face looks like it’s melting off.”
