At the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday in Vatican City, two presidents got very different receptions — and the internet noticed. Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, was greeted with spontaneous applause from the crowd, while U.S. President Donald Trump was met with silence.
Clips of the moment quickly made the rounds online, triggering a wave of mockery aimed at Trump.
The conservative group Republicans Against Trump posted CNN’s coverage with the caption: “The crowd at the Pope’s funeral erupted in applause when President Zelensky arrived. Donald Trump must be furious.”
In another post, they pointed out Trump’s outfit: “The strict dress code for the Pope’s funeral required men to wear dark suits and long black ties. Naturally, Trump was the only one who showed up in a blue suit and tie.”
Anna Komsa added, “While Zelensky was greeted with a spontaneous round of applause, Trump, in his blue suit at Pope Francis’s funeral, received nothing.”
Others echoed the same point — Zelensky got cheers, Trump got ignored.
Barry Kenny wrote: “He is so self-absorbed he won’t have registered it, his toadies so cowardly they won’t say it, but Trump roundly ignored by Pope Francis’ funeral crowd, while @ZelenskyyUa spontaneously applauded – the people know who the true leader of the free world is.”
Political strategist Chris D. Jackson piled on: “Trump may see himself as the main event, but at Pope Francis’s funeral, he’s reportedly stuck in the third row. Not surprising — it’s no secret the Pope and his people didn’t care for him. If Biden were still president, he’d be up front — where real leaders sit.”
Mike Thomas chimed in on X: “Watching the spectacle of the funeral of Pope Francis is special. Catholic or not you have to respect his humility and core humanity. Why is Trump in a blue suit and blue tie. At least Melania is correctly attired with a veil. What a great ovation for Zelensky (Trump none!)”
A video clip also gained traction, showing French President Emmanuel Macron giving Zelensky a warm handshake. Trump, standing nearby, appeared to extend his hand, but received only a brief nod and a smile — no handshake.
The Daily Telegraph tweeted a photo of the moment Trump and Zelensky met in Vatican City before the service, but online, the narrative had already taken off.
Watch the clips below:
The crowd at the Pope’s funeral erupted in applause when President Zelensky arrived. Donald Trump must be furious.🤣
pic.twitter.com/WeISngPrfG— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 26, 2025
Macron shakes hands with Zelensky, but not with Trump. Absolute fucking legend! pic.twitter.com/fwvASi0fYk
— Kadi🇪🇪🌻 (@TheFl0orIsLaVa) April 26, 2025
