As the world gathered to say a final goodbye to Pope Francis, some global leaders couldn’t resist reaching for their phones — even during the solemn moment when his simple wooden coffin was carried back toward St. Peter’s Basilica.
Despite earlier backlash when mourners were seen taking selfies next to the late pontiff’s body earlier this week, a few high-profile attendees once again pulled out their devices at the funeral.
While front-row figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb honored the Pope with applause, further back in the crowd, others raised their phones to capture the emotional procession.
It was a pivotal, respectful moment — yet even then, a handful of dignitaries took the opportunity to snap pictures or record videos. Switzerland’s President Karin Keller-Sutter was among those spotted documenting the scene, along with Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Tomas Tayebwa, who later posted an image of the coffin being carried out.
Today’s farewell brought together around 250,000 mourners, including royals and political heavyweights from across the globe. Representing the UK were Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Prince William.
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania were among the American delegation, while most European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Giorgia Meloni, were present. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife also attended — notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin was absent.
The funeral drew monarchs from around the world as well, with ten reigning sovereigns represented at the service.
Although the majority of guests remained solemn and respectful, a few attendees committed minor slip-ups, photographing the Pope’s final journey back to the Basilica while many others simply watched in silence.
Elsewhere, President Joe Biden was seen taking selfies with fellow officials — though crucially, not during the religious service itself. One such selfie included Uganda’s Deputy Speaker, Tomas Tayebwa.
Adding to the minor controversies of the day, Donald Trump faced some criticism for appearing to break the Vatican’s strict dress code by wearing an American flag pin on his lapel.
As the world bid farewell to Pope Francis, it became clear that even in moments of deep tradition and reverence, the modern impulse to capture history through a phone lens remains hard to resist.
