The funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, was a historic and deeply emotional event that drew over 200,000 pilgrims to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Faithful from around the world gathered to honor the life and legacy of a pope widely admired for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice. Among the attendees were several high-profile political figures, whose presence and actions drew both attention and debate online.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were seen interacting with international dignitaries during the service. A photo shared by Ugandan MP Thomas Tayebwa featuring a selfie with President Biden quickly went viral, prompting a wave of criticism on social media. Many users felt that taking such photos during a solemn religious ceremony was not appropriate, though others defended the interaction as a moment of diplomacy and human connection.
Also in attendance were former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump. Their appearance sparked renewed speculation on social media, with some commentators questioning whether Melania looked noticeably different than in previous public appearances. This led to the resurfacing of old conspiracy theories about a “body double,” though no evidence supported these claims. Despite the online chatter, the couple maintained a composed presence throughout the ceremony. Observers noted a moment during the “sign of peace” ritual where a lip reader alleged that Melania prompted Donald Trump to follow the tradition, a small interaction that was widely circulated online.
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