Trump, Prince William stir reactions with funeral attire at Pope Francis' rites
Non-Catholic leaders' choice of blue suits at Vatican funeral prompts debate over tradition, respect, and protocol
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AFP via Getty Images
Daily TribuneNon-Catholic leaders' choice of blue suits at Vatican funeral prompts debate over tradition, respect, and protocol
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AFP via Getty Images
(1st ROW - L TO R) US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump, Estonia's President Alar Karis, Spain's King Felipe VI, (2nd ROW) Poland's President Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos attend late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square in The Vatican on 26 April 2025.
Isabella BONOTTO / AFP
At the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square on 26 April 2025, two high-profile guests immediately drew attention for their choice of clothing: U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's Prince William.
According to established Vatican guidelines, male attendees are expected to wear a dark suit, black tie, and a black lapel button to papal funerals. Trump arrived in a bright blue suit and matching tie, while Prince William chose a very dark blue suit. Former U.S. President Joe Biden also wore a blue tie instead of the customary black.
Critics on social media quickly pointed out the apparent break from tradition. "Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?" one user posted on X, while others commented that Trump’s lighter blue shade made him stand out even more amid the sea of black-clad dignitaries.
Although many criticized the deviations on social media, some defended the leaders by pointing out that neither Trump nor Prince William are Catholic, and that other religions do not strictly mandate black funeral attire.
Similarly, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, a Hindu, was seen wearing blue at the ceremony. The Office of the President of India shared photos on X, captioned: “President Droupadi Murmu attended the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City.” Her attire aligned with Hindu traditions, where blue is often worn for solemn occasions.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, and Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s chief advisor, both chose to wear black despite their non-Catholic faiths, reflecting a broader diplomatic respect for Vatican customs.
Among those who followed the Vatican’s traditional dress code were Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, both clad in formal black attire. They joined other dignitaries in St. Peter’s Square to honor Pope Francis in keeping with Catholic mourning customs.
While some felt that Trump’s and William’s wardrobe choices reflected a lack of reverence, others pointed to religious traditions as an explanation. Trump's team defended the president, saying he and First Lady Melania Trump “honored the life and service of Pope Francis,” and criticized attempts to distract from the moment.
In the end, the diversity of world leaders — and even their attire — reflected the truly global reach of Pope Francis' influence, uniting people across different faiths and nations for one final farewell.
The dress debate reflects broader conversations about respect, religious custom, and evolving norms at international ceremonies, particularly one as historic as the funeral of a pope who reshaped Catholic leadership worldwide.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, New York Times, and Irish Star)
