Donald Trump's 'major blunder' as he pays respect at funeral of Pope Francis

Irish Daily Star

26-04-2025

World leaders have gathered in Rome for the funeral of
Pope Francis
, but some people have spotted an issue with President
Donald Trump
. Mourners said he made a "disrespectful blunder" during the service.
Many prominent figures attended the Vatican's St Peter's Square on Saturday morning, including Prince William,
Joe Biden
, Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The event comes at a fragile time, as Trump is reported to have met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky this morning (Saturday), according to Zelensky's spokesman. A lot of eyes were on Trump as he paid respects to Pope Francis.
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As he approached the coffin, with his wife Melania by his side, people spotted what they thought looked like a major blunder. Attendees were able to approach the late Pope's coffin for a moment of prayer and reflection.
US President Donald Trump (C) and First Lady Melania Trump (C/R) stand alongside leaders including France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) and Finland's President Alexander Stubb (3rdL)
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
One person wrote on X: "Trump and Melania - the only two stepping over the rug where Pope Francis coffin sits when paying respect, jeeeezzz!"
Another added: "OK, so I'm not the only person who noticed Trump and Melania stepping on the rug. I'm sure they were given instructions to stay off the rug. But, nooooo!"
Other attendees, such as Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer were seen remaining a distance away from the rug. According to
The Art Newspaper
, attendees should not step on the carpet beneath the coffin.
This is because the carpet symbolizes holy ground, and marks a sanctified space. It is used to separate the pontiff from other people, and the tradition is said to also be shown in paintings of the period where carpets are used to symbolize a sacred space.
Some social media users also weren't happy with the President's decision to wear blue. One wrote: "Trump stands out like a sore thumb in a blue suit. Should have worn black."
Another said: "How disrespectful, Trump is at the Pope's funeral wearing a blue suit and he looks completely out of place."
Meanwhile, Trump supporters have been praising the President, with one writing: "God Bless President Trump." One more replied: "All leaders are welcome at a Pope's funeral."
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the front row at the funeral of Pope Francis
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
It's estimated around 200,000 people flocked to St Peter's Square in attempt to get a glimpse of Francis' wooden coffin. He will be burried in the Basilica of St Mary Major.
The funeral saw some 220 cardinals, 750 bishops and priests in attendance, as well as over 4,000 other priests in the square. The service was led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
On Monday, it was announced the 88-year-old Pontiff had died from a stroke. The funeral comes after several days of mourning for the Argentinian who is celebrated for speaking up for the downtrodden.
Friday night saw the Pope's coffin sealed in a private Vatican ceremony following three days of public viewings. It's thought around 250,000 people went to see Pope Francis lying-in-state.