Leave it to Donald Trump to turn a solemn funeral into his own personal fashion show.
While world leaders gathered to pay their respects to Pope Francis in a sea of respectful black attire, America’s former commander-in-chief apparently decided the Vatican’s dress code was merely a suggestion. A navy suit at a papal funeral? Classic Trump. Men were expected to don black suits, white shirts, and black ties.
In a sea of mourners dressed in somber black, Trump’s navy suit stuck out like a sore thumb. Melania Trump, to her credit, adhered perfectly to protocol – dressed in black with the traditional head covering. What made this even more egregious is that Trump has been no stranger to controversy with Pope Francis. Their relationship was… let’s call it awkward. The late pontiff had openly criticized Trump’s policies, particularly his hardline stance on immigration and welfare, calling for more compassion in governance. Despite this history of conflict, Trump offered lukewarm praise for the Pope before traveling to Rome, calling Francis “a good man” and “a fantastic kind of a guy” whom he had met twice.
Pope Francis was remembered as a man of the people, someone who championed inclusivity and sought to make the Catholic Church a more compassionate and open institution. His funeral was designed to reflect this ethos—simple, dignified, and steeped in tradition. The late pontiff’s casket was adorned with the book of gospels, and his burial broke with tradition, opting for a modest tomb with nothing but his name, “Franciscus.”
Bergoglio was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, then became Archbishop in 1998. His leadership style in Argentina was characterized by humility and concern for the poor. He was known for living in a simple apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace, cooking his own meals, and using public transportation. When elected pope at age 76, Bergoglio chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, signaling his intention to lead a church focused on poverty, simplicity, and environmental concerns. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope since Gregory III in the 8th century. Pope Francis represented a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s approach to modern challenges while maintaining its core doctrinal positions.
Presidents Bush, Obama, and Biden have all met with Popes while adhering to proper protocol. This is about respect – for an office, for a faith tradition, for the billions who looked to Francis for spiritual guidance. If Trump can’t manage even this minimal level of decorum, what does that say about his fitness to represent America on the world stage?
Published: Apr 26, 2025 10:46 am