 "'Stood out like a sore thumb': Did Trump break dress code at Pope Francis' funeral?")
As the sombre ceremony unfolded at St Peter’s Basilica, where the world leaders gathered to attend the funeral mass of Pope Francis, Donald Trump’s choice of outfit has ignited a major controversy.
Amid the sea of black, the US President stood out wearing a dark blue suit paired with a light blue tie and his familiar American flag lapel pin.
In many parts of the world, black remains the customary colour of mourning, symbolising respect and solemnity. Wearing colours that stray from this tradition—especially at a papal funeral—can often be perceived as a sign of disrespect.
The other global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British PM Keir Starmer, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, were all in black as they stood together to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.
So, why did Trump choose to wear blue? And was he the only one who did? Here’s a closer look at the controversy and what the Vatican’s dress code actually says.
‘Such an embarrassment’
As the funeral was broadcast around the world, many viewers expressed outrage over Donald Trump ’s decision to skip the traditional mourning attire and arrive in a bold blue suit.
One critic on social media fumed: “Trump did not even have the decency to wear a black tie, and he wore a blue suit. No respect!!”
Political strategist Joey Mannarino said, “Trump at the Pope’s funeral is just exuding complete and total class. Absolutely, the image America should be projecting to the world.” Another user asked, “Did he not have a black suit? At least a dark Blue one? Where is the respect?”
A more critical post read, “Look at our tone-deaf, idiot President Trump wearing blue at Pope Francis’s funeral. Not a day goes by that this makeup-covered moron doesn’t embarrass us on the world stage."
Interestingly, Trump wasn’t the only leader who strayed from the all-black tradition. Former US President Joe Biden and the UK’s Prince William, representing King Charles, were also spotted in darker blue suits, but attracted significantly less criticism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also broke from formal wear, appearing in his trademark black military uniform, which he has consistently worn since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
While Trump’s attire drew headlines, his wife, Melania, followed the expected dress code. She wore a long black dress with a matching veil. The power couple left the ceremony as soon as the funeral concluded, rather than waiting until after the burial.
What does the Vatican dress code say?
According to Il Messaggero, a leading Italian newspaper based in Rome, Vatican protocol dictates the following dress and order for Pope Francis’ burial.
“For men, dark suit with a long black tie and a button of the same colour on the left lapel of the jacket, where only Vatican honours can be placed,” the newspaper reports.
“For women, a black dress, preferably long, of the same colour as gloves and veil on the head, with the only allowed ornament being a string of pearls.”
“These are the prescriptions for those attending the Pope’s funeral, according to well-established protocol manuals that also define the seating arrangement for dignitaries and heads of state,” it said.
Why did Trump wear blue to the funeral?
Donald Trump’s decision to wear blue may have been influenced by his religious affiliation.
As a nondenominational Christian and not a Catholic, he may not have felt bound by the traditional funeral dress codes of the Roman Catholic Church.
For a Catholic funeral, black is the traditional hue, signifying respect and grief for the deceased. While it is generally acknowledged that black clothing is appropriate for funerals, other religions do not mandate black as rigorously.
Both Trump and Prince William, who is from the Church of England, possibly gave a nod to their non-Catholic backgrounds. India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, also wore blue, which aligns with her Hindu faith.
President Droupadi Murmu attended the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian and… pic.twitter.com/xQexe8wvB1
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 26, 2025
Pope Francis’s funeral took place at St Peter’s Square and drew a massive crowd of around 2.5 lakh mourners from across the world. The funeral Mass was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in a reverent service.
After the Mass, the Pope’s wooden coffin was carried through the streets of Rome in a traditional procession, allowing the public to bid farewell.
It was then taken to the Basilica of St Mary Major for burial—a site of deep personal significance to him, and a departure from the usual resting place of pontiffs at St Peter’s Basilica.
With input from agencies
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