At a historic gathering marked by mourning and solemnity, an awkward moment involving U.S. President Donald Trump was quietly diffused by his wife, Melania Trump, during the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The brief but telling exchange between the couple was caught on camera and later analyzed by forensic lip readers, offering insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics at one of the most significant global events of the year.
More than 250,000 mourners, including dignitaries, royalty, and leaders from 130 countries, filled St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to pay their final respects to the beloved pontiff, who died from a stroke at age 88 on Easter Monday. Among them, President Trump, 78, and First Lady Melania, who marked her 55th birthday on the day of the funeral, arrived in Rome the previous evening to represent the United States.
During the three-hour Catholic mass, a pivotal moment came when the congregation was invited to exchange a “Sign of Peace,” a traditional Catholic ritual of goodwill typically performed by shaking hands. While world leaders around him began to participate, Trump remained motionless, seemingly unsure of what to do.
Recognizing the potential for a diplomatic misstep, Melania leaned in and quietly advised her husband. Forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling later revealed that Melania whispered, “You should do it,” encouraging Trump to engage with those around him. After a brief hesitation and a reluctant “Oh, alright,” Trump extended his hand to greet Estonia’s President Alar Karis, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and eventually French President Emmanuel Macron.
The timely intervention by the First Lady helped Trump narrowly avoid what could have been interpreted as a snub at an event laden with religious and diplomatic significance.
Earlier in the day, Trump’s appearance had already drawn controversy. Observers on social media platform X criticized his choice of attire: a mid-blue suit and a shiny blue tie, accented by an American flag pin. According to the Vatican’s strict funeral dress code, men were required to wear dark suits with a long black tie and a white shirt, with shoes, socks, and any outerwear to be black.
Critics called out Trump for appearing “disrespectful” and lacking “a sense of appropriacy” for not adhering to the solemn guidelines. “Why is Trump the only male world leader wearing a blue suit?” one user asked, while another fumed, “Did he not have a black suit? At least a dark blue one? Where is the respect?”
Trump was not alone in breaching the dress protocol. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also forwent a tie, and former President Joe Biden wore a blue tie instead of black. Still, Trump’s more visibly bright ensemble stood out among the sea of dark attire, further stoking online criticism.
Melania, by contrast, was praised for her impeccable adherence to the Vatican’s requirements. She wore a conservative black blazer paired with a modest, calf-length pencil skirt, closed-toe pumps, and an elegant black lace veil. Completing the look, she wore matching gloves and a simple diamond-studded cross pendant—an ensemble seen by many as a mark of respect for both tradition and the late pontiff.
The funeral service itself was rich in religious symbolism and tradition. It began with the entrance antiphon, followed by the Penitential Act, opening prayers, and readings delivered in English and Spanish. Toward the end of the mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, sprinkled the Pope’s coffin with holy water and incense as the valedictory rite and final commendation took place.
President Trump, who sat prominently among other global leaders and royalty, was seen clapping solemnly as the Pope’s coffin passed by. Melania appeared visibly moved during parts of the service, offering a rare glimpse into the more private, emotional side of the usually reserved First Lady.
Following the mass, Pope Francis’ coffin was taken from St. Peter’s Square on a symbolic procession across Rome, passing by the Colosseum and other historic landmarks. Honoring his wishes, Pope Francis was laid to rest not in St. Peter’s Basilica, but in a simple underground tomb at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major—making him the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican’s traditional grounds.
For Melania Trump, the day was significant on multiple levels: a somber occasion on her birthday, a rare public appearance since her husband’s reelection three months ago, and a moment where her quiet poise helped avert an international embarrassment.
As the First Couple exited the square hand in hand, they offered final waves to the crowd—a symbolic gesture of unity amid the solemn farewell to a Pope remembered by many as the “People’s Pope.”