Protocol and Controversy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Pope Francis’s Funeral

The recent funeral of Pope Francis marked not only the conclusion of a transformative papacy but also revealed the complex intersection of ancient ritual, modern technology, and diplomatic protocol on the world stage. As hundreds of thousands gathered in Vatican City to pay their final respects to the 266th successor of St. Peter, a series of incidents involving high-profile attendees sparked global discussion about the proper observance of decorum at such solemn occasions. This analysis explores the final days of Pope Francis’s life, the meticulous planning behind papal funerals, and the controversies that emerged during this historic moment of mourning.

The Final Days of Pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis upon his election in 2013, had experienced deteriorating health in the months preceding his death. Born in Buenos Aires in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, Francis had already lived a full life of service within the Jesuit order and as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before ascending to the papacy at the age of 76. His relatively advanced age upon election had always suggested his would not be among the longest pontificates in history.

In early March, the Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff had been diagnosed with double pneumonia, necessitating hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. For nearly five weeks, the pope received intensive treatment while the global Catholic community offered prayers for his recovery. Though he briefly returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican, his health took a dramatic turn on Easter Monday when he suffered a stroke followed by cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the pontiff passed away, concluding a papacy that had spanned just over eleven years.

Francis’s death evoked a profound outpouring of grief comparable only to the global mourning that followed the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005. This emotional response reflected not merely institutional respect for the office but genuine affection for a pope who had captivated both Catholic and secular audiences with his emphasis on humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Throughout his papacy, Francis had championed the rights of migrants, promoted action on climate change, and consistently called for a church that served “the poor and marginalized.”

Immediately following the announcement of his death, the Vatican initiated the elaborate protocols that have governed papal transitions for centuries. The pope’s body was prepared according to tradition, dressed in papal vestments, and placed in an open catafalque within St. Peter’s Basilica. For three days, hundreds of thousands of mourners filed past in silent reverence, many waiting hours for the opportunity to offer a brief prayer in the presence of their spiritual leader.

Funeral Preparations and Protocol

A papal funeral represents one of the most intricately choreographed ceremonies in global diplomacy and religious observance. The Vatican’s Office of Liturgical Celebrations, working in coordination with the Secretariat of State and security services, manages every facet of these proceedings with exceptional attention to detail.

The fundamental elements of papal funeral protocols have evolved over centuries, blending ancient traditions with practical considerations for a modern global event. Key components include:

The Lying in State

The pope’s body rests on an elevated platform (catafalque) in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to process past and pay their respects. The body is traditionally dressed in papal vestments, including the pallium (a white wool stole with black crosses symbolizing papal authority) and red shoes (representing the blood of martyrdom). The catafalque is surrounded by Swiss Guards in ceremonial uniform, standing at attention as silent sentinels.

For Pope Francis, the lying in state lasted three days, during which an estimated 200,000 people moved through the basilica in organized lines. Vatican officials implemented crowd management systems developed during previous papal transitions, with designated routes, water stations, and first aid posts positioned throughout St. Peter’s Square to accommodate the massive influx of mourners.

Funeral Mass Preparation

The Vatican’s liturgical office prepares a detailed plan for the funeral Mass itself, selecting readings, music, and ceremonial elements that reflect both the universal traditions of the Church and the particular emphases of the deceased pope’s ministry. For Francis, this meant incorporating elements that highlighted his commitment to the poor, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony.

Musical selections for the funeral blended traditional Gregorian chant with polyphonic compositions by Palestrina and Mozart, performed by the Sistine Chapel Choir. The readings selected emphasized themes of resurrection hope and service to the marginalized—central focuses of Francis’s papacy.

Diplomatic Protocols

The Secretariat of State coordinates the attendance of foreign dignitaries, a process that requires exquisite diplomatic sensitivity. Protocol officers issue formal invitations to heads of state, provide detailed guidance on expected attire and behavior, and arrange seating according to a precise diplomatic hierarchy.

For a papal funeral, traditional protocol dictates that:

• Catholic monarchs receive highest precedence among lay attendees
• Heads of state are seated according to how long they have been in office
• Black formal attire is expected for all attendees, with Catholic women often wearing mantillas (black lace veils)
• Electronic devices should not be visible during the ceremony
• Photography by attendees is discouraged, particularly during solemn moments

Each foreign delegation receives a detailed briefing document outlining these expectations, along with logistical information about security checkpoints, arrival times, and transportation arrangements. Protocol officers are assigned to major delegations to provide guidance throughout the event.

Final Procession and Interment

Following the funeral Mass, tradition calls for a solemn procession to the place of final interment. While many popes are buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis had expressed in his will the desire to be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he had frequently prayed throughout his life. This request represented a departure from recent custom but reflected Francis’s lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary and his characteristic humility in choosing a location outside the grandeur of St. Peter’s.

The planning for this final journey involved complex coordination between Vatican security, Italian police, and the Rome municipal government to facilitate the movement of the funeral cortege through crowded streets while maintaining the solemnity appropriate to the occasion.

The Funeral Procession and Key Moments

On the morning of April 26, Vatican City awoke to flags at half-mast as final preparations for the funeral Mass were completed. By 9 a.m., St. Peter’s Square had reached its capacity of approximately 400,000 mourners, with countless others lining the streets of Rome. The funeral Mass began with a solemn procession of cardinals and bishops entering the basilica, followed by the pallbearers carrying Pope Francis’s coffin to its position before the altar.

Distinguished Attendees

The congregation included an impressive array of global leaders and dignitaries:

• U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
• British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• French President Emmanuel Macron
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
• Irish President Michael D. Higgins
• Prince William, representing King Charles III
• Representatives from nearly every nation with diplomatic ties to the Holy See
• Leaders from major world religions, including Eastern Orthodox patriarchs, Jewish rabbis, Muslim imams, and Buddhist representatives

The presence of such diverse leadership reflected both diplomatic protocol and genuine respect for Pope Francis’s efforts to build bridges across religious and political divides during his papacy.

The Funeral Mass

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the funeral liturgy, joined by nearly all of the world’s 230 cardinals. The ceremony followed the traditional form of a Requiem Mass, with adaptations that honored Francis’s wishes for simplicity and his emphasis on universal human dignity.

Key moments included:

• The Gospel reading from Matthew 25, in which Jesus teaches that service to the poor and marginalized is service to God himself—a passage that had been central to Francis’s theological vision
• A moving homily delivered by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, who spoke of Francis’s commitment to the Church as a “field hospital” serving the wounded of modern society
• The presentation of symbolic items associated with Francis’s papacy, including a simple wooden cross he had carried since his days as a priest in Argentina
• Prayers offered in multiple languages, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church under Francis’s leadership
• A final commendation invoking God’s mercy upon the deceased pontiff

Throughout the two-hour ceremony, the vast crowd in St. Peter’s Square maintained a respectful silence, broken only by occasional singing and the tolling of the basilica’s bells.

The Procession to Santa Maria Maggiore

Following the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Francis’s coffin was placed in a glass-sided vehicle for the journey from St. Peter’s to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The coffin, adorned with white flowers and a simple copy of the Gospels, was visible to the crowds that lined the three-kilometer route through central Rome.

The procession moved slowly along the Via della Conciliazione, past the Castel Sant’Angelo, and through the historic streets of the Eternal City. Many observers noted the poignancy of this final journey—a pope known for his emphasis on going to the peripheries of society making one last passage through the heart of Rome.

At various points along the route, the procession paused briefly to allow for moments of prayer and to permit the faithful to offer a final farewell. It was during these pauses that cameras captured various world leaders engaged in brief diplomatic exchanges, some of which would later become subjects of controversy.

Photography and Phone-Use Controversies

In an age of ubiquitous smartphones and social media, the traditional solemnity of funeral rites increasingly confronts the modern impulse to document every significant moment. Several incidents during Pope Francis’s funeral highlighted this tension between sacred ritual and contemporary communication habits.

The Brazilian Priest’s Selfie

Days before the funeral, during the lying in state period, images circulated worldwide showing a Brazilian priest approaching Pope Francis’s open catafalque in St. Peter’s Basilica and taking a selfie with the pontiff’s body visible in the background. The incident prompted immediate criticism on social media and an official statement from the Vatican press office:

“Visitors are invited not to take photos. This is a moment of prayer and respect.”

Despite this explicit request, numerous pilgrims continued to use smartphones to capture images of the deceased pope throughout the lying in state period. Vatican officials faced the difficult challenge of maintaining the sacred character of the occasion while managing the behavior of thousands of visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of whom may have been unfamiliar with traditional funeral etiquette.

Photography During the Funeral Mass

The official funeral ceremony itself witnessed several instances of inappropriate photography that drew public criticism. Television cameras broadcasting the event captured multiple attendees—including some high-ranking dignitaries—using smartphones to photograph the pope’s coffin as it was carried in procession.

Among those observed taking photos were:

• Several unidentified foreign officials seated in the diplomatic section
• At least one deacon participating in the liturgy
• Various attendees who appeared to be capturing images of both the coffin and nearby celebrities or political figures

These actions prompted immediate reactions on social media platforms, where many viewers expressed dismay at what they perceived as disrespectful behavior at a solemn religious ceremony. Comments frequently described the photo-taking as “morbid,” “inappropriate,” and “lacking basic decorum.”

One particularly controversial moment occurred when cameras appeared to show U.S. President Donald Trump briefly checking or using his phone during a portion of the ceremony. While the exact nature of this interaction with his device remains unclear, the images contributed to broader criticism about technology use during the funeral.

Public Reaction

The public response to these incidents revealed deeply held convictions about proper funeral etiquette across cultural boundaries. Social media platforms filled with comments expressing disappointment and even outrage:

“They should be ashamed—taking pictures of a funeral is disrespectful.”

“Who photographs a coffin during Mass? Electronic devices should have been banned entirely.”

“Morbid doesn’t begin to cover it. A funeral is not a photo op.”

While some commentators acknowledged that casual phone use has become normalized at public events of all kinds, many insisted that a papal funeral represents a special category demanding heightened sensitivity and adherence to traditional norms of reverence.

Cultural analysts noted that these controversies reflect broader societal tensions regarding technology use in sacred spaces. As one religious studies professor observed in a television interview: “We’re witnessing the collision of ancient ritual with modern habits of constant documentation. These spaces haven’t yet developed clear norms for reconciling these competing impulses.”

Attire and the “Blue Suit” Debate

Beyond photography controversies, considerable attention focused on the attire chosen by certain high-profile attendees—particularly deviations from the traditional expectation of black formal wear at Catholic funeral liturgies.

The Tradition of Mourning Attire

In Catholic funeral traditions, black clothing has historically symbolized mourning, humility, and the solemnity of death. This custom extends beyond mere convention; it reflects theological understandings of death as a moment that calls for sober reflection and communal expression of grief.

For papal funerals, protocol guidelines typically specify:

• Dark suits or national formal wear for male dignitaries
• Black dresses or suits for female attendees, often with head coverings
• Decorations and medals to be worn only by those in military uniform
• Subdued accessories and minimal jewelry

These expectations are communicated to diplomatic missions in advance, allowing visiting dignitaries to prepare appropriate attire. While some flexibility exists for representatives of nations with different cultural traditions of mourning dress, Western leaders are generally expected to conform to these established norms.

President Trump’s Navy Ensemble

Among the most noticed deviations from traditional attire was U.S. President Donald Trump’s choice of a vivid navy-blue suit paired with a blue tie. Set against the sea of black and dark charcoal suits worn by other world leaders, the president’s brighter blue ensemble stood out prominently in photographs and video coverage.

Social media quickly filled with observations about this sartorial choice:

“Of all the world leaders in black, Trump in blue looks like he wandered off a news anchor set.”

“Why is Trump wearing a blue suit instead of a black one like others? Perhaps Zelenskyy could ask him why he hasn’t dressed more appropriately?”

Some observers noted that Prince William also wore navy rather than black, though in a significantly darker shade that appeared nearly black in many photographs. The contrast between the two highlighted the subtle gradations of formality and adherence to protocol that observers scrutinize at such high-profile events.

First Lady Attire Observations

First Lady Melania Trump’s choice of a streamlined, relatively simple black coat also generated commentary, primarily because it represented a departure from her typically more fashion-forward public appearances. Some social media users even proposed conspiracy theories suggesting she had been “replaced by a body double”—claims without factual basis but indicative of the intense scrutiny applied to every aspect of appearance at such global events.

Other female dignitaries largely adhered to traditional expectations, with many Catholic women wearing the traditional mantilla (black lace veil) as a sign of respect in the papal basilica. Queen Letizia of Spain, for example, wore a classic black dress with a mantilla, embodying the traditional approach to funeral attire at the Vatican.

Expert Commentary on Attire Choices

Etiquette experts and diplomatic historians offered varied perspectives on these sartorial choices:

“While strict adherence to black attire has somewhat relaxed in recent decades, a papal funeral remains among the most formal diplomatic occasions where traditional mourning colors are expected,” noted one former State Department protocol officer.

Others suggested that cultural differences might explain some variations: “American political culture has generally become less formal regarding dress codes, but international diplomatic events—particularly those with religious significance—still carry expectations that transcend national trends.”

From a fashion history perspective, some commentators observed that navy suits have increasingly replaced black in American business and political contexts, potentially leading to confusion about appropriate choices for different categories of events.

Notable Lapses in Protocol by World Leaders

Beyond issues of photography and attire, observers noted several other moments where diplomatic protocol appeared to be breached during the funeral ceremonies.

Premature Departures

Traditional etiquette dictates that dignitaries remain seated until the conclusion of funeral ceremonies and follow prescribed exit protocols. However, cameras captured several leaders, including President Trump, departing the basilica promptly after the final blessing rather than remaining for the additional prayers and ceremonial elements that followed.

This early exit was interpreted by some protocol experts as potentially disrespectful, though others noted the complex security requirements for protecting world leaders that sometimes necessitate staggered departures. Without access to the specific security arrangements, definitive judgments about the appropriateness of these departures remain difficult.

Casual Conversations

During certain transitional moments in the ceremony, television cameras showed clusters of world leaders engaged in what appeared to be casual conversation. While brief diplomatic exchanges are expected and appropriate at such gatherings—indeed, they represent one of the valuable secondary functions of state funerals—some observers felt the animated nature of certain interactions seemed incongruous with the somber occasion.

One particularly noticed moment occurred when cameras captured President Trump, President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Starmer, and President Macron in what appeared to be an intense conversation near the entrance to the basilica. While the content of this exchange remains unknown, body language experts commenting for various news outlets suggested the interaction had elements of tension rather than mere pleasantries.

Extended Device Use

Beyond taking photographs, several attendees were observed checking smartphones for extended periods during the ceremony. This behavior, while increasingly common at public events of all kinds, struck many observers as inappropriate given the religious and ceremonial nature of a papal funeral.

Protocol experts interviewed by various news outlets emphasized that funeral etiquette generally recommends devices be kept completely out of sight during services. For high-ranking officials who might require constant communication access for security reasons, the expectation would typically involve discreet handling of necessary communications through aides rather than personal device use visible to cameras.

Public and Expert Commentary

The various controversies surrounding behavior at Pope Francis’s funeral prompted extensive analysis from religious leaders, diplomatic experts, and cultural commentators.

Catholic Perspectives

Many practicing Catholics expressed disappointment that the spiritual significance of the funeral was partially overshadowed by these protocol breaches:

“A papal funeral is a sacred rite. It should not be turned into a tourist attraction or photo opportunity.”

“Even if you are a head of state, humility calls for silence and reflection, not selfies and phone snaps.”

Church officials generally refrained from direct criticism of specific dignitaries, maintaining the Vatican’s traditional diplomatic discretion. However, several bishops and theologians offered general remarks about the importance of reverence at liturgical celebrations and the spiritual significance of maintaining decorum during funeral rites.

Media Analysis

Major international publications provided nuanced analysis of the controversies. The Guardian published a thoughtful piece examining how technology has fundamentally altered the way participants experience ceremonial events, blurring lines between active participation and documentation. The Wall Street Journal contributed an editorial arguing that protocol serves vital psychological and social functions, particularly at moments of transition and grief.

Television coverage varied considerably across national contexts, with some broadcasts focusing extensively on perceived breaches of protocol while others emphasized the spiritual and diplomatic significance of the gathering. This disparity itself became a subject of meta-commentary about how cultural values shape media framing of international events.

Protocol Experts Weigh In

Specialists in diplomatic protocol offered particularly valuable insights into the significance of these controversies. Dr. Maria Conti, a professor of diplomatic studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, observed:

“Ceremonial law exists to create a level playing field. When leaders flout the rules—whether intentionally or inadvertently—they risk overshadowing the event’s spiritual and communal dimension.”

James Renner, a retired U.S. State Department protocol officer, provided additional context:

“Every gesture at a state funeral communicates something—about respect, solidarity, and understanding. A single misstep can become the dominant narrative, potentially overshadowing the significance of the occasion itself.”

Several experts noted that protocol breaches often receive disproportionate attention precisely because they stand out against the carefully choreographed background of ceremonial order. This dynamic creates a magnifying effect where relatively minor deviations can dominate subsequent discourse about the event.

Broader Implications for Diplomatic Etiquette

The controversies surrounding Pope Francis’s funeral highlight several tensions in contemporary diplomatic and religious ceremonies that merit broader consideration.

Maintaining Ritual Integrity in a Digital Age

As smartphones and social media have become ubiquitous, ceremonial occasions of all kinds face the challenge of maintaining their traditional character while acknowledging changed social norms. The incidents at Pope Francis’s funeral exemplify this tension between ancient ritual and modern habits of documentation and communication.

Religious institutions and diplomatic services increasingly find themselves navigating this territory, weighing options such as:

• Explicit technology bans during certain ceremonies
• Designated photography periods followed by “device-free” sacred moments
• Educational campaigns about appropriate technology use in ceremonial contexts
• Providing official photography to reduce the perceived need for personal documentation

These approaches each present advantages and challenges, with none offering a perfect solution to the fundamental tension between tradition and contemporary habits.

Cultural Differences in Ceremonial Expectations

While diplomatic protocol attempts to establish universal standards for international events, profound cultural differences persist in attitudes toward ceremonial behavior. These differences manifested at Pope Francis’s funeral in various ways:

• Different traditions regarding appropriate expressions of grief
• Varying comfort levels with photography at solemn occasions
• Distinct understanding of what constitutes respectful attire
• Cultural differences in the perceived importance of punctuality and procedural adherence

International organizations and diplomatic services must continually adapt to these differences while maintaining core standards that permit dignified interactions across cultural boundaries.

The Role of Technology

The omnipresence of smartphones has fundamentally altered how individuals experience and process ceremonial events. While these devices enable unprecedented documentation and sharing of significant moments, they can also:

• Disrupt the contemplative atmosphere traditional rituals aim to create
• Shift focus from participation to documentation
• Create distractions for both users and those around them
• Transform sacred experiences into social media content

Religious institutions face particular challenges in this area, as they attempt to balance hospitality toward visitors with maintaining the spiritual integrity of sacred spaces and ceremonies.

Lessons for Future State Occasions

The controversies surrounding Pope Francis’s funeral suggest several potential adaptations for future high-profile ceremonial events:

Enhanced Briefings: More comprehensive pre-event guidance for attendees regarding technology use, appropriate attire, and expected behavior during different portions of the ceremony.

Device Management: Consideration of dedicated device storage or check-in facilities to reduce temptation for inappropriate use during solemn moments.

Clear Photography Guidelines: Explicit designation of when photography is permitted or prohibited, with visible signage and verbal reminders.

Attire Specifications: More detailed guidance regarding appropriate clothing, potentially including visual examples to avoid ambiguity about color expectations.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognition that attendees from diverse backgrounds may require additional context to understand the significance of particular ceremonial elements.

By thoughtfully addressing these areas, organizers of future state ceremonies might better preserve the dignity of tradition while accommodating the realities of contemporary life.

Conclusion: Legacy Beyond Controversy

While media coverage and public discussion focused extensively on protocol breaches and controversies, these incidents represent only a small portion of Pope Francis’s funeral ceremonies. The vast majority of attendees—both dignitaries and ordinary faithful—participated with appropriate reverence and respect for the solemn occasion.

More significantly, the controversies that emerged should not overshadow the profound legacy of Pope Francis himself. Throughout his papacy, Francis consistently emphasized humility, mercy, and attention to those on society’s margins. His final testament, read during the funeral Mass, echoed these themes:

“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”

This emphasis on peace and human fraternity transcends questions of protocol and points toward the deeper significance of his life and ministry. While the controversies surrounding his funeral offer important lessons about ceremonial conduct in the contemporary world, the enduring impact of Pope Francis will be measured by how his vision of a more humble, merciful, and inclusive Church continues to shape both Catholic practice and global ethical discourse.

In this broader context, the protocol breaches at his funeral may ultimately be remembered as minor footnotes to a papacy that challenged both religious and secular authorities to greater accountability, authenticity, and service to the common good. As one Vatican official observed in the days following the funeral: “Francis consistently cared more about substance than appearance. Perhaps the greatest honor we can pay him is to focus not on ceremonial missteps but on the challenging vision of human dignity and social justice he placed before us.”

The true legacy of Pope Francis will continue to unfold through the ongoing life of the Catholic Church and in the global conversations about economic justice, environmental stewardship, and human dignity that he helped to advance. While the controversies of his funeral merit thoughtful analysis, they ultimately represent a momentary distraction from the enduring significance of his papacy and the prophetic witness he offered to a world in need of both mercy and justice.