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Trump’s Attire To Pope Francis’ Funeral Seems To Have Raised Some Eyebrows

Pure attention seeking

565
565 points

When President Donald Trump arrived at Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, he did not blend in. While nearly everyone wore black to show respect, Trump chose a navy blue suit. His wife, First Lady Melania Trump, wore a black dress and a head covering, similar to those of the other mourners. But the president’s blue suit made him stand out “like a sore thumb,” as many on social media said.

The funeral took place at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. About 130 official delegations and 10 reigning monarchs attended. The front rows were filled with leaders from Argentina and Italy, the two countries closest to the Pope’s life. After them, other nations sat in an order set by the French alphabet. That meant “Etats-Unis” (United States in French) came further down the line. Television cameras panned over the crowd, and Trump’s blue suit glowed against the black worn by other leaders.

In many cultures, black is often associated with mourning. It shows respect for the person who has passed away and for those who are grieving. At large funerals, world leaders adhere to a strict dress code to demonstrate unity. By wearing blue, Trump broke that unspoken rule.

Almost instantly, people online reacted.

Trump and Pope Francis have often disagreed. In 2016, the Pope criticized Trump’s plan to build a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border. He said, “A person who thinks only about building walls… is not Christian.” Trump later called this comment “disgraceful.” Their 2017 meeting in the Vatican was tense.

The Vatican has a long tradition of hosting significant events. Seating is arranged by rank and country, not by personal preference. Argentina leads because Francis was born there. Italy followed because the Pope served as the Bishop of Rome. Then comes the rest in French alphabetical order—from “Albanie” (Albania) to “Zambie” (Zambia). Even royal families are placed before heads of state to honor ancient customs.

Funerals are times for unity. They bring people together to share grief and hope. Dress codes help everyone express the same feeling of sorrow. When a guest breaks that code, it can feel like a break in respect.

Featured image via Screengrab

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Terry Lawson

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Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/terrylwsn.

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