Donald Trump, Prince William outfits at Pope Francis funeral raise eyebrows

At Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday, the attire of President Donald Trump and Prince William drew significant attention and led to discussions about adherence to Vatican protocol.​

Trump arrived at the solemn ceremony in St. Peter's Square wearing a blue suit paired with a light blue tie and his signature American flag lapel pin.

Prince William, representing King Charles III, who was absent due to health reasons, opted for a classic dark suit and tie, aligning more closely with the Vatican's expectations for such occasions.

His attire was noted for its appropriateness and respect for the solemnity of the event, however, it also drew criticism as his suit was dark blue and not black.

Former President Joe Biden also deviated from the norm, opting to wear a blue tie.

All three ensembles diverged from the Vatican's traditional dress code, which prescribes a formal black suit, black tie, and a black lapel pin for male attendees at papal funerals.

Newsweek reached out to the Vatican, Trump's office, and Kensington Palace for comment via email on Saturday outside of working hours.

Read the full story by Emma Marsden on Newsweek.

WATCH: Trump makes his entrance at Pope Francis' funeral

WATCH: Footage of the pope's funeral

No set date yet for conclave to elect new pope

The Vatican has not announced a start date for the conclave that will select the next pope, but tradition outlines the timing. The process typically begins between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death.

The conclave will not begin until after the "novendiali," the nine-day period of mourning that started with Pope Francis' funeral. Only after that will the cardinals eligible to vote — those under the age of 80 — gather in Rome.

Once assembled, the 135 voting cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel, where voting takes place in secrecy. A new pope must earn a two-thirds majority to be elected. In the past, conclaves have lasted from just a few hours to several years. When Francis was chosen in 2013, the decision came in little more than a day.

World leaders and familiar faces gather for Pope Francis' funeral

Thousands of people, including monarchs, world leaders, and a few notable guests, filled St. Peter's Square on Saturday for Pope Francis' funeral.

Reigning royals like King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were seated first, followed by heads of state arranged alphabetically by country. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei were given front-row seats. French President Emmanuel Macron sat across the aisle from U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, with former President Joe Biden and Jill Biden seated farther back.

Crowds applauded as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived, and leaders from Africa and Asia, such as Kenya's William Ruto and India's Droupadi Murmu, also attended. Royals like Prince William sat near visiting ministers.

Among the mourners was Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, who attended with his family. A post from his wife, Stella Assange, said they had come to thank Francis for supporting Julian during his imprisonment.

Pope Francis laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore

Pope Francis has been interred at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, the Vatican announced Saturday.

The "rite of the entombment of the Roman pontiff" started at 1 p.m. local time and was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo responsible for overseeing funeral arrangements. The ceremony lasted about 30 minutes.

Francis, who requested a simple burial, is the first pope in more than 100 years to be buried outside Vatican walls. His tomb bears only the inscription: "Franciscus."

Who will be next pope? Latest odds as cardinals gather in Rome

Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, is the most likely candidate to succeed Pope Francis, according to the latest numbers on Polymarket, a Manhattan-headquartered, cryptocurrency-based prediction market.

The 70-year-old cardinal from Veneto, who became the youngest Vatican secretary of state in 84 years in 2013, when Pope Francis chose him for the role, tops a list of potential candidates, with a 29 percent chance of being chosen as the next pope.

In reality, the choice of who will be the next pope to guide the Roman Catholic Church, made by the conclave, is still highly unpredictable.

The death of Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, on Monday marked the end of a 12-year papacy characterized by the late pontiff's desire to adjust the Church to the modern world and soften its approach regarding LGBTQ+ communities.

As cardinals start arriving in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' funeral and the conclave, where the next pope will be chosen, all kinds of predictions are being made over who will be his successor. Some within the Church would like a conservative, traditional pope to sit again on the throne of St. Peter, while others would like for the next pontiff to honor and continue Pope Francis' legacy.

Read the full story by Giulia Carbonaro on Newsweek.

Thousands line streets in Rome to honor Pope Francis

Around 150,000 people gathered along the streets of Rome as Pope Francis' casket was taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, according to local authorities, The New York Times reported.

The Vatican shared the crowd estimate on Saturday, underlining the massive turnout from mourners who wanted to pay their final respects.

Pope Francis' tomb built with stone from his family's homeland in Italy

Pope Francis' final resting place in the Basilica of St. Mary Major is made from slate stone sourced from Liguria, the region where his grandparents were born.

The tomb, located near the Altar of St. Francis, is simple, bearing only the inscription "Franciscus" and an image of his pectoral cross. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas shared that Francis personally requested stone from Liguria, a quiet tribute to his family roots, Vatican News reported.

In the small town of Cogorno, where Francis' great-grandfather Vincenzo Sivori lived before emigrating to Argentina, locals were touched by the connection. Angela Sivori, a relative, called the choice "a wonderful gift" and "one last surprise" from the late pope.

Pope Francis had visited relatives in Liguria in 2017, meeting several cousins for the first time. His decision to use local slate, known as "the people's stone," reflected the humility he carried throughout his life and papacy.

Pope Francis shared burial wishes soon after becoming pope

Days after his election in 2013, Pope Francis revealed where he wanted to be buried after his death.

Francis, who became pope following Benedict XVI's resignation, was already in his 70s when he took office. According to theologian Neomi DeAnda, he believed his time might be short and wanted to have his final wishes prepared early.

"He wanted to have his wishes available in case God called him home," DeAnda said. Francis chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome as his final resting place.

Watching Papal transitions change with the times

When Pope Francis was elected in 2013, the world watched along on laptops and early-era iPhones, following updates on a growing social media network then known as Twitter. Compared with the death of Pope John Paul II eight years earlier, in 2005, it marked a new era of digital engagement in papal history.

Twelve years after that, as the Catholic Church prepares to choose Francis' successor after his death at 88 this week, the traditional papal viewing, funeral and coming conclave are all being shaped by an even more sophisticated digital age—one where livestreams, AI-generated memes and TikTok content creators are defining how we experience one of the biggest stories of the year.

The conclave—a centuries-old process steeped in secrecy and tradition—has evolved with each papal transition to reflect the communication habits and technologies of its time.

Read the full story by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

Some of the thousands of mourners saying final farewell to Pope Francis

Trump, Zelensky meeting took place during funeral, was 'very symbolic'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump "very symbolic" and expressed hope that it could lead to major progress.

In a post on X, Zelensky said the two leaders had an in-depth one-on-one conversation covering key issues, including a "full and unconditional ceasefire" and building a lasting peace to prevent future conflict.

Pope Francis' burial costs covered by anonymous benefactor

Pope Francis' spiritual will included a request that a "benefactor" pay for his burial, though no details about the individual were made public.

Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, who was entrusted with Francis' final arrangements, told the Roman newspaper Il Messaggero that the pope mentioned someone had offered to "make this gesture," The New York Times reported.

While the Vatican could have covered the burial expenses, Francis' instructions allowed the unnamed benefactor to fulfill the wish.

Pope Francis' casket has arrived at the church where the late pontiff will be buried

Unlike the funeral at St. Peter, which was attended by world leaders, monarchs, and members of the public, only cardinals, bishops, and those carrying the casket will be in St. Mary Major for the burial ceremony.

The church where Pope Francis chose to be buried—which is technically in Italy and not within the state of the Vatican—was particularly dear to the late pontiff, who used to go there to pray whenever he came back to Rome from a trip abroad.

He will be laid to rest in the same chapel where Clement VIII, an 11th-century pope whom Francis particularly admired, is also buried.

View of the mourners at Pope Francis's funeral

Trump departs Rome after attending Pope Francis' funeral

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have left Rome aboard Air Force One, departing quickly after the funeral mass at the Vatican.

During the funeral, Trump briefly met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and was also photographed alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inside St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis' coffin welcomed by bishops and cardinals at St. Mary Major

Pope Francis' coffin was received by bishops and top cardinals inside St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will be buried in a private ceremony later today.

Pallbearers paused before the Madonna icon that Francis deeply revered, offering a final tribute. Four children placed white roses at the altar in front of the icon before the coffin was carried toward the niche where Francis will be laid to rest under a simple tombstone with his name in Latin.

Vatican media then shifted its broadcast away from the burial site, showing the basilica's exterior to preserve the ceremony's privacy.

Pope Francis' coffin arrives at St. Mary Major for private burial

Pope Francis' coffin has reached St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony later today.

Francis is the first pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Pope Francis' funeral ends as casket heads to final resting place

The funeral for Pope Francis, which was attended by over 250,000 people between faithfuls, world leaders and members of the Roman Catholic Church, wrapped up shortly after midday in Rome. St. Peter Square has been emptying out quickly after the end of the ceremony.

The casket carrying the body of the late pontiff is now being taken to the St Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), which Pope Francis picked as his final resting place, breaking tradition.

The casket has been put on the "popemobile" as requested by Francis and has already passed through famous landmarks in the Italian capital, including the Colosseum.

Pope Francis Makes Final Journey Through Rome

Following the funeral, Pope Francis is now being taken across Rome to his final resting place at the St. Mary Major Basilica.

Follow the route he is taking below:

Applause and Tears as Funeral Ends

Giulia Carbonaro shares more from the scene for Newsweek, from the Vatican.

"Mourners are filling every inch of the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica, where huge screens are showing the ceremony taking place a few meters away. Some have closed their eyes and are lying down, absorbing the words of Cardinal Rae. Many are following the ceremony on the leaflet that was distributed earlier in the day.

"At the end of the ceremony, when the casket holding Pope Francis is ready to be taken away, the crowd burst into applause, while some silently weep."

Photo Shows Trump and Zelensky Meeting at Vatican

A picture has emerged of Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Zelensky speaking together at the Vatican, before Pope Francis' funeral.

Litany of the Saints

The Litany of the Saints is one of the oldest, most traditional prayers in the Catholic Church, which has taken up a sizeable portion of the funeral.

It is a solemn prayer where the faithful call upon a long list of saints, asking for their intercession. Typically, a leader invokes each saint or group of saints, and the congregation responds with "Pray for us" or similar phrases.

Francis Was 'Pope For Bad Catholics'

Christopher Hale shares his thoughts for Newsweek on what Pope Francis meant to him as a Catholic.

"So many times during the past twelve years I've felt distant from the church and God, and in those moments, Francis's words rang in my ears: 'God never tires of forgiving us.'

"He spent his entire papacy in search for those who struggled to find a home in the Catholic Church. His famous pectoral cross represents Jesus the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety nine in search of one.

"He was the pope for bad Catholics. He made us have a home here."

Eulogy Calls Francis 'Pope Among People'

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered Pope Francis' eulogy, describing him as "a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone."

He called the pontiff a pastor who knew how to communicate to the "least among us," with an informal, spontaneous style.

He noted that the last image many people have of Francis was of him delivering what would become his final blessing on Easter Sunday, serving the people right up until the end of his life.

Trump's Blue Suit Raises Eyebrows

Social media users have been quick to point out that US President Donald Trump is wearing a blue suit, rather than the black typically seen at funerals.

According to the dress code required by Vatican officials for Pope Francis' funeral, men were required to wear a dark suit, along with a long black tie and a black button on the left lapel of the jacket. Women were asked to wear long black dresses, gloves and a veil.

Trump's decision to wear a blue suit is being criticized by some online suggesting the breach of the dress code is disrespectful. In contrast, his wife Melania is wearing a long black dress and a black veil over her head.

While Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is not wearing a formal suit—he has been wearing military attire during official and public events since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022—, he is donning black.

History Looms Large in St. Peter's Square

Christopher Hale is also in Vatican City for Newsweek, and shares some of his reflections of being in the historic location.

"Standing up on Palatine Hill, I'm reminded this is the same hill where Peter was executed upside down by Caesar Augustus. The longevity of the church — through scandal and change — is something remarkable. The fact that it still remains two millennia later is, in fact, its biggest miracle.

"In 2020 during the height of the pandemic, Pope Francis stood before an empty St. Peter's to pray for the faithful around the globe. Today, faithful around the globe came to the square to do the same."

Atmosphere of 'Communion and Joy' at Vatican

Tens of thousands of people were crowding the streets leading to St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday morning, with many resting after hours spent waiting for the ceremony to begin.

"It feels like history to be here and pay tribute to all he [Pope Francis] did for the world and all the Catholic people in the world," Pauline, a PhD in Economics from France who was in Rome with her parents, told Newsweek.

"I think it is an incredible moment to be here right now, as a Catholic and seeing Pope Francis was an incredible human being, I couldn't miss today," Chloe, who is from Fairfax, Virginia but is currently living in Rome, where she works for the World Food Program, told Newsweek.

"Everyone is obviously sad because we are mourning Pope Francis, but I think we are also kind of excited to see what happens now and in the next coming months and weeks," she added.

Among the mourners, there are hundreds of teenagers and young people who were already in Rome for the planned canonization of Carlo Acutis, often referred to as the "first millennial saint." Making Acutis saint was a project close to Pope Francis' heart, but the canonization has been postponed because of his death.

Many of these young people were waiting for the funeral, playing cards, napping, and breaking into spontaneous singing of "Hallelujah."

The atmosphere is one of "communion and joy," more than sadness, Pauline said. "People are very happy to be here to pay [him] tribute. It's maybe, I think, what he would have wanted for people to be together and feel joy."

A family from Seattle, Washington, had planned to visit Rome this week months ago, and decided not to cancel the trip after learning of the pope's death—despite many of the popular tourist sites being closed because of national mourning.

Michelle, an interior designer, Derrick, a pilot, and their two sons Dominic, high schooler, and Antonio, 8th grader, arrived around 7 a.m. but got a pretty good spot for the funeral. "We were debating whether to come here, but we're here, we're Catholic, so it feels good to be here," Derrick said.

"It's different between seeing a video [of the funeral] and being here live," Annette, from Germany, told Newsweek. "You feel the atmosphere of a lot of people from the Holy world. It's a deep, intense atmosphere."

Pat and his partner, both from Boston, Massachusetts, traveled to Rome for a planned holiday with their moms but thought they would never have another opportunity to attend a pope's funeral.

"It's pretty crazy," Pat told Newsweek. "I've never experienced anything like this before."

Trump on Funeral Front Row

Donald Trump and his wife Melania are seen here in the front row of the funeral, among other world leaders.

The King of Spain can be seen two places away from Melania on the right, while French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are two places away from President Trump on the left.

Ukrainian President Zelensky is also seated on the front row, about eleven places away from Trump.

Pope 'Left Church Stronger Than He Found It'

Christopher Hale is among the thousands of Catholics witnessing Pope Francis' funeral in Rome.

Writing for Newsweek, he says, "Francis came to power in 2013, when I was 23 years old. I'm now 36. He's the pope of the millennial generation. The headlines when he took charge was a church in peril. Looking out at the scene here today, it's hard not to say he left the church stronger than he found it."

Next Pope Lies Among Gathered Cardinals

Over 250 cardinals are attending Pope Francis' funeral. Of these, 135 are eligible to vote in the conclave, and from that group one of them will be chosen as the next pontiff.

The ancient process gained new found interest following the popular 2024 movie Conclave, which adapted Robert Harris' 2016 novel about the selection of a new pope.

Donald Trump Arrives at Pope's Funeral

Donald and Melania Trump were among the last world leaders to come out of St. Peter's Basilica. The U.S. president kept his head down most of the time, while the First Lady, wearing a black veil over her hair as per the dress code decided by the Vatican, gave a look around at the massive crowd assembled.

While other world leaders, including Italy's President Sergio Mattarella and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were greeted with clapping and cheering, the crowd was quiet when Trump walked out.

Pope Francis Funeral - Order of Service

The full order of service for Pope Francis' funeral is here to follow along.

Who Is Attending Pope Francis' Funeral?

A list of some of the most notable attendees of Pope Francis' funeral.

• United States: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
• United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William, representing King Charles III
• France: President Emmanuel Macron
• Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
• Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella
• Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
• Belgium: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
• Sweden: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia
• Norway: Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit accompanied by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide
• Denmark: Queen Mary
• Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker
• Luxembourg: Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
• Monaco: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene
• Jordan: King Abdullah II and Queen Rania
• Argentina: President Javier Milei
• Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• Mexico: Claudia Sheinbaum, will not attend but will be represented by the country's interior minister, Rosa Icela Rodríguez.
• Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska
• Poland: President Andrzej Duda
• Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and deputy premier Simon Harris, alongside ambassador to the Vatican Frances Collins. President Michael D Higgins with his wife Sabina Higgins.
• Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Lisa Marcos
• Ecuador: President Daniel Noboa
• Dominican Republic President Lui Abinader; Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa. Africa. Democratic Republic of the Congo's President Felix
• Moldova: President Maia Sandu *
• Turkey: Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus *
• European Union: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen *
• United Nations: UN secretary general, António Guterres

Joe Biden at Pope Francis' Funeral

Former US president Joe Biden has arrived at Pope Francis' funeral with his wife Jill.

Stream Pope Francis' Funeral Live on Newsweek

As Pope Francis' funeral is about to get underway, you can stream the ceremony live through Newsweek right here.

Donald Trump in Rome

President Trump and Melania arrived in Italy on Friday night, with Trump announcing his arrival on his Truth Social account at 11 p.m. alongside footage of him and the First Lady exiting Air Force One in Rome.

An interview with Trump in transit to Italy was posted on X, with the president being asked: "Why did you feel it was important to go to the Pope's funeral?"
Trump responded: "I just thought it was out of respect. You know, I won the Catholic vote, and I think it's the first time that ever happened where a Republican won the vote... But we did well with the Catholic vote, and my relationship is very good. So, therefore, I think it's appropriate."

Saturday also marks Melania's 55th birthday, and the president joked he would take her for dinner on Air Force One. As reported previously, Melania is a practicing Roman Catholic, a faith she has embraced since her upbringing in Slovenia, a predominantly Catholic country. Her religious beliefs became publicly known following her 2017 visit to the Vatican, where she met Pope Francis and had a rosary blessed by him.

The Trumps are staying at Villa Taverna, the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. Following the funeral, President Trump is expected to return to the United States on Saturday evening.

Impromptu Altar for Pope Francis in Rome

This impromptu altar spotted in Rome this morning is one of many tributes to the late Pope Francis seen by Newsweek across the city.

Pope Francis Funeral Timeline For This Morning

• 8:30 a.m. (Local Time)
  Archbishops and bishops gather at the Braccio di Costantino in the Vatican.
  Vestments: amice, alb, cincture, and simple white miter.
• 9:00 a.m. (Local Time)
  Patriarchs and cardinals assemble in the Chapel of San Sebastiano in the Basilica.
  Vestments: white damask miter (worn in the presence of the pope).
• 10:00 a.m. (Local Time) / 4:00 a.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. PST
  Funeral Mass begins in St. Peter's Square.
  Presider: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
  Attendees: patriarchs, cardinals, bishops, priests, and global dignitaries including President Donald Trump.
• Conclusion of Mass
  Final rites: Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio.
  These mark the start of the Novemdiales, nine days of mourning and prayer for Pope Francis.

Scenes From Outside St Peter's Square

With just over an hour to go before the funeral begins, the Vatican is packed. Many members of the public crowding the street leading to St. Peter's have been here for hours. Some told Newsweek they have been out since 3 or 4 a.m. local time.

People Sit on Streets Awaiting Funeral

This is the scene on the streets of Rome where people have gathered to witness the pope's funeral, with many having stayed out all night to maintain their spot.

Man Walks Two Days To Reach Pope's Funeral

After first walking from Milan to Rome carrying his handmade wooden cross in 2019, former inmate "Genny Lo Zio" walked two days and two nights from the Italian city of Isernia to the Vatican to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whom he met in 2019.

He told Newsweek how the encounter inspired him to change his life, and he now has an association which helps vulnerable people.

Mourners Stay Out All Night Ahead of Funeral

Mourners from around the world have gathered in Rome for today's funeral, and many have gone to great lengths to get a good spot for Saturday's ceremony.

Simone, Siria, Azzurra, Ana, (Italy) Ethan (U.S.) and Nadja (El Salvador/Italy) were planning on spending the whole night on the street leading to St. Peter Basilica, hoping to attend Pope Francis' funeral.

What To Expect From The Funeral

This morning, Pope Francis is being laid to rest in a ceremony that reflects both his deepest pastoral values and the vision he set for the Church.

While presidents, royalty, and world leaders gather in St. Peter's Square, it will be prisoners and migrants—those he championed throughout his papacy—who will accompany his coffin into the basilica for burial.

Up to 200,000 people are expected to attend the funeral, which Francis personally planned when he revised and simplified the Vatican's rites in 2024. His final wish: to be remembered as a humble priest, not as a figure of worldly power.

Good Morning

Good morning, and welcome to Newsweek's coverage of the funeral of Pope Francis.

We are on the ground, inside Vatican City, to bring our readers in the U.S. and around the world unique coverage of this historic ceremony, and capture the feeling of the many thousands of mourners who have arrived from around the world to pay their respects.