World leaders gathered in Vatican City on April 26 to honor the late Pope, who died at 88 after a stroke and heart failure. About 200,000 mourners attended the open-air funeral at St. Peter’s Square, including U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Prince of Wales, and others.
Trump sparked controversy by wearing a blue suit instead of traditional black, drawing criticism online for being “disrespectful.” Some pointed out the irony, recalling Trump’s past criticism of Zelenskyy’s attire.
Zelenskyy, who has refused to wear a suit since Russia’s 2022 invasion, was also noted for his informal clothing.
After the funeral, in a break with tradition, the late Pope’s body was to be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where the poor and needy would pay their respects. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised the Pope as a leader who championed the marginalized and called for an open, welcoming Church.
Earlier, Zelenskyy received applause after paying his respects and later met privately with Trump for what was described as a “productive discussion.”
