Donald Trump came in for criticism on Saturday for supposedly “disrespecting” protocol at the funeral of Pope Francis.
World leaders and high-ranking dignitaries gathered in Rome this weekend for the Pope’s final send-off at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, after a requiem mass at St Peter’s Basilica.
It’s estimated that over 200,000 people attended the funeral procession at St Peter’s Square, paying tribute to the former head of the Catholic Church, who died from a stroke and heart complications at age 88. Some 50 world leaders were in attendance, as well as royalty from a number of countries.
Pope Francis passed away last Monday, April 21, just one day after making a public appearance to offer greetings from a balcony at St Peter’s Basilica.
Tributes soon poured in from all over the world. Francis was a progressive pope – that in and of itself was enough to draw criticism from some – but a beloved and inspiring figure who worked tirelessly to the end.