Despite meticulously planned protocols for the funeral, ranging from strict dress codes to prohibitions on photography, many notable figures stumbled. Smartphone use during the Mass—by both dignitaries and clergy—sparked outrage, while breaches of decorum, including inappropriate attire and casual conversations, further marred the event’s intended solemnity. President Trump’s choice of a navy-blue suit drew heavy criticism, as did a Brazilian priest’s selfie beside the late pontiff’s casket.
Experts and the public alike lamented how, in the age of constant connectivity, even a sacred ritual struggled against the tide of digital distraction. Although Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and reform remains firmly intact, the spectacle surrounding his funeral highlights a growing challenge: preserving the dignity of ancient traditions in a modern world saturated with instant sharing and blurred lines between participation and performance.
