Off The Record
Joe Biden’s ‘Inappropriate’ Moment At Pope Francis’ Funeral Sparks Outrage — Watch The Footage
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.
“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.
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 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
She reportedly leaned in and whispered, “You should do it,” before repeating herself for emphasis. Following her urging, Donald reluctantly extended his hand to French president Emmanuel Macron. “Oh, alright,” he reportedly responded before participating in the traditional gesture 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.
One mourner wrapped themselves in an Argentine flag — a tribute to Pope Francis’ roots. Others looked up at the now-empty balcony, where he had blessed the crowd just the day before. “I am sad,” said Brigitte Thalhammer, one of many reflecting on the weight of the moment. “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.
At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the news from Casa Santa Marta, expressing sorrow and gratitude. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he said. “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.
Both the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and the second story of Casa Santa Marta, his previous residence, underwent sealing. 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,” one netizen commented. Another shared, “Rest in Peace, as you well deserve 🙏,” while a third typed, “Rip [sic] Pope 🙏 you will be missed.”
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