Joe Biden’s ‘Inappropriate’ Behavior at Pope Francis’ Funeral Causes a Stir — Video

After snapping selfies upon their arrival at the Pope’s funeral this past weekend, the former U.S. president faced widespread criticism. Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, attended the burial of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26, 2025. The solemn ceremony drew a global crowd of mourners, all gathered to honor the life and legacy of His Holiness.

As former heads of state, Joe and Jill Biden were seated toward the back of the section reserved for international dignitaries.

Upon his arrival at the funeral, Biden was seen taking photos with other officials — a move many deemed highly inappropriate for such a solemn event. Outrage quickly spread across social media, with users voicing their disapproval. One critic remarked, “Taking selfies at the Pope’s funeral is incredibly inappropriate [sic],” while another added, “Selfies at a funeral are extremely disrespectful.”

“Selfies at a funeral? Wow. That’s messed up,” one stunned viewer wrote. Another chimed in, “People, there’s a time and a place for that kind of thing.” The backlash continued across social media, with one user on X declaring, “What a disrespect to the Pope to take pictures [sic].”

Adding fuel to the controversy, another critic exclaimed, “Look how Biden is using the Pope’s funeral for photo ops?!?” Among those photographed with Biden was Thomas Tayebwa, a member of parliament from Uganda, further sparking debate over the appropriateness of the moment.

In a tribute post on X, Thomas Tayebwa shared several photos from the funeral, including one featuring himself alongside Biden. “Together with my sister, the Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, we joined world leaders and the faithful in honoring the burial of His Holiness Pope Francis today at the Vatican,” Tayebwa wrote.

“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to say farewell to my spiritual mentor, who held deep personal significance for me,” Tayebwa wrote in closing. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025. The Vatican later confirmed that the cause of death was a stroke. He was 88 years old.

Following the news of the Holy Father’s passing, Biden shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Expressing his deep sorrow, he posted a photo of himself in conversation with Pope Francis and reflected on the Pope’s profound impact. Biden called him one of the “most consequential leaders” of our time, adding that “he was unlike any who came before him.” He concluded his tribute with the poignant words, “I am better for having known him.”

It wasn’t just Biden’s appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral that sparked a wave of online discussion. Images and videos from the event quickly went viral — from footage of their departure that reignited “fake Melania” conspiracy theories, to clips capturing her presence at the solemn ceremony. The online frenzy only grew as viewers dissected every moment.

Donald and Melania Trump were seen departing the United States for Rome on April 25, 2025, to attend the burial of Pope Francis. However, photos and videos of the couple boarding their plane quickly went viral, fueling a storm of speculation online. Observers pointed out noticeable differences in the woman’s appearance and body language compared to what they were used to, prompting some to question whether the woman accompanying the former president was truly Melania.

As screenshots and video clips spread across multiple media platforms, theories of a “fake Melania” quickly gained momentum, sparking intense debate online. “Definitely not Melania — no heels and very light hair. Melania wears heels all the time!” one user insisted, fueling the growing speculation.

Another user shared similar sentiments, claiming that the real First Lady would never wear flat shoes and likely wouldn’t accompany her husband on such a trip. “It sure doesn’t look like her — the forehead and jawline seem different,” one commenter remarked, adding to the growing wave of skepticism.

The theory that a stand-in was used gained further traction when a commentator pointed out that the woman in the video walked too casually, in stark contrast to Melania’s typically stiff and composed manner.

Despite the online frenzy surrounding their trip, the Trumps arrived in Rome and attended the late Pontiff’s burial on April 26. Melania, dressed in a long, fitted coat and a beautiful black lace veil, exuded both sobriety and sophistication in a classic black ensemble. Her accessories — lace gloves and a delicate cross necklace — added a touch of dignified elegance, perfectly suited for the solemn occasion.

Donald wore a deep blue tie paired with a crisp white shirt and a navy blue suit. On the lapel of his jacket, he displayed his American flag pin, adding a subtle but unmistakable touch of patriotism to his attire.

Throughout the ceremony, the couple maintained a composed and respectful presence, their solemn expressions reflecting the gravity of the occasion. Both Donald and Melania appeared deeply focused during the service, with photos capturing their quiet involvement and dignified demeanor.

Social media erupted with reactions following their appearance, with many users maintaining their belief that the First Lady didn’t look like herself. “Melania has changed so much. Is it really her?” one person questioned. “What happened to her face?” another asked. In contrast, one commenter bluntly stated, “Her face looks like it’s melting off.”

In addition to attending the funeral, Donald and Melania paid a private visit to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica. In a quiet moment, they stood solemnly before the late pontiff’s coffin, flanked by two Swiss Guards in their distinctive, vibrant uniforms. In a photo taken during their visit, Melania stood beside her husband, dressed in funeral attire — her black coat, veil, and high-heeled shoes embodying a continued sense of respect and reverence.

As they paid their respects, both appeared deep in contemplation, their quiet moment set against the awe-inspiring majesty and intricate design of St. Peter’s Basilica — a striking backdrop that heightened the solemnity of the scene.

During the three-hour Catholic Mass, the congregation, which included numerous international leaders, was invited to shake hands as a “sign of peace.” In a video from the service, U.S. President Donald Trump was seen observing the ceremony around him, initially hesitant to participate. According to Nicola Hickling, a forensic lip reader, Melania appeared to intervene, encouraging her husband to take part. The Daily Mail reported that the lip reader claimed the First Lady subtly urged the president to begin shaking hands when he hesitated.

“You should do it,” Melania allegedly whispered to her husband, leaning in and repeating the suggestion for emphasis. Reluctantly, Donald extended his hand to French President Emmanuel Macron at her insistence, reportedly muttering, “Oh, alright,” before joining in the customary act of goodwill. For Melania, the day held personal significance as well. On April 27, she took to Instagram to thank her supporters for their birthday wishes, reflecting on attending the poignant funeral on her special day.

“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,” Melania wrote in an Instagram post, reflecting on the day’s somber events.

As she pondered the significance of the occasion, the Vatican had already released the official report confirming Pope Francis’ death. The cause of death was attributed to a brain stroke, which led to a coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”

In St. Peter’s Square, emotions ran high as the news of the Pope’s passing spread. Pilgrims clutched rosaries, prayed, and stood in silence. One mourner, draped in an Argentine flag to honor the Pope’s heritage, gazed up at the now-empty balcony where, just a day before, Pope Francis had blessed the crowd. “I am sad,” remarked Brigitte Thalhammer, joining many others who felt the weight of the loss. “He was very, very important.” The piazza erupted in spontaneous applause following a rosary, a final tribute to the 88-year-old pontiff who had shaped a decade of Catholic history.

Pope Francis had battled health issues for months, with his condition causing concern worldwide. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for treatment of pneumonia in both lungs. He alternated between non-invasive mechanical breathing at night and high-flow oxygen during the day, according to medical reports.

Despite his illness, Pope Francis continued his spiritual duties from his hospital room. His medical staff even sent in a cake to mark the 12th anniversary of his papacy, and he participated in the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia via video.

In a complex medical scenario, the Vatican maintained that his condition was clinically stable. After noticeable improvement, doctors announced in late March that the Pope would be discharged after a 38-day stay, which had twice put his life at risk. His doctors were optimistic that he could return to full activity, though they advised two months of rest and cautioned against attending large gatherings. Pope Francis was officially released from the hospital on March 23 and returned to Casa Santa Marta to recuperate.

His final public appearance came on Easter Sunday, April 20, when he entrusted Cardinal Angelo Comastri with the celebration of the Mass and then blessed the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Just hours later, the world would learn that this had been his final moment. Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the official announcement at 9:45 a.m. from Casa Santa Marta, expressing both appreciation and sorrow. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Farrell said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”

Pope Francis’ remains were moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. Plans for the funeral had yet to be finalized at the time, but it was confirmed that the Pope’s body would be placed in a casket in the chapel of his home at 8 p.m. on Monday, marking the official certification of his death. The second floor of Casa Santa Marta and the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace were sealed, and associates of the Pope began to pay their respects. Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni confirmed that the funeral plans would be finalized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals.