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The funeral for the Pope. Just observations.

(153 Posts)
FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 26-Apr-25 15:52:21

Joe Biden didn’t wear a black tie, but a blue one (Democrats?)
Trump wore a blue suit.
Zelenskyy wore no tie at all. šŸ¤·ā€ā™€ļø
Melania Trump is 55y today.
I’ve bought the novel ā€˜Conclave’ on my Kindle.

nanna8 Sun 27-Apr-25 00:14:27

It was wonderful to see all the Cardinals gathered together in respect. I didn’t actually notice what others were wearing, just the overall hugeness of the occasion. Whoever organised it did a really good job.

Marydoll Sat 26-Apr-25 23:21:34

Oh and did anyone notice Melania alerting Trump at the Sign of peace, that he was the only mourner ignoring his neighbours and not shaking hands?
He then made a big thing of squeezing Macron's hand very tightly for some time, but Macron's behaviour was impeccable.

Marydoll Sat 26-Apr-25 23:15:54

What struck me was the kindness of the young seminarians, who stood respectfully and discretely, offering support to the elderly cardinals if necessary.

The cantor, who sang the psalm had a wonderful voice.

A poignant moment for me, when the cortege passed by our hotel at Largo Argentina, where we stayed many times over the last thirty years. I felt quite sad that I will never make that journey to my beloved Rome again, nor walk along that route to the Vatican in the early morning sunshine. There was something very special about it.

Kate1949 Sat 26-Apr-25 23:10:33

So what if Brigitte wears a wig? Anyone on here have problems with their hair? Alopecia? Like me?

Casdon Sat 26-Apr-25 23:00:44

According to Metro:
ā€˜Men were asked to wear a dark suit with a long black tie and a button of the same colour on the left lapel of the jacket (where Vatican honours can be placed). White shirts under jackets were permitted.
For women, it was long black dresses, which ideally went below the knee. Black mantilla (a lace veil) and black gloves could also be worn, but the only jewellery permitted for the ceremony was a string of pearls.’

NanKate Sat 26-Apr-25 22:57:07

I believe the Pope’s favourite Ice-cream Vendor attended the funeral. Ice-cream with marshmallows was the Pope’s choice.

NotSpaghetti Sat 26-Apr-25 22:52:27

That's interesting Casdon - personally I don't mind about blue suits but thought I'd read that there was a very strict dress code this time.

Casdon Sat 26-Apr-25 22:46:26

Well, I just read on Mumsnet that the then Prince Charles wore a navy suit to the funeral of Pope John Paul. I just checked on Google images, and indeed he did.

Lauren59 Sat 26-Apr-25 22:27:30

NanKate

Zelensky was applauded at the funeral, Trump wasn’t šŸ‘

The film Conclave was great and I am sure the book will be too.

I didn’t watch it but did record it in case I want to watch later. I’m happy to hear Trump wasn’t applauded

dragonfly46 Sat 26-Apr-25 22:25:23

At least Prince William had a black tie unlike Trump.

CanadianGran Sat 26-Apr-25 22:03:48

I ended up staying awake until 2am watching, but eventually had to nod off. I think I watched until the eulogy.

I was worried about the pallbearers! It was a long way to go, plus I saw several of them making adjustments to their shoulders, and at the end, the front one on the left was really huffing and puffing, looking worse for wear. I also wondered that they were in suits, I would have expected priests or seminarians.

I also enjoyed that the mass was done in different languages, with the two readings and the responsorial psalm. The singing was lovely as well.

And, I did wonder about PofW wearing a blue suit. I wonder why?

Time for a nap for me!

grumppa Sat 26-Apr-25 21:59:14

Unless there were absolute instructions to the contrary, I would always wear a dark grey suit to a funeral. As for ties, I had the good fortune to attend an educational establishment whose tie colours were a combination of black and white: equal stripes, or white crests on black.

PamQS Sat 26-Apr-25 21:49:10

We really enjoyed the film 'the Two Popes'. Haven't seen Conclave.

PamQS Sat 26-Apr-25 21:46:07

I saw those rumours, which seemed to be based on someone's imagination.

I think I'd be tempted to wear a wig in Mme Macron's position, when you think how much time it takes to keep your hair looking good!

PamQS Sat 26-Apr-25 21:40:17

I've noticed Ed Miliband always looks very smart at formal engagements. I also enjoyed the clapping for President Zelenskyy. I'm sure Trump didn't notice it!

NotSpaghetti Sat 26-Apr-25 21:34:30

And of course, as someone said on another thread, Prince William was also in a blue suit.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 26-Apr-25 21:34:08

… as the coffin passed in front of them. 😮

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 26-Apr-25 21:32:43

Despicable behaviour by some VIPs at the funeral who took pics on their smartphones. Unbelievable.

RosieandherMaw Sat 26-Apr-25 21:31:14

Apologies for my repeated post.
Meant to say

Silly unfounded rumours uttb .
She’s got adult children hasn’t she ?

Exactly.

RosieandherMaw Sat 26-Apr-25 21:29:24

Unlike his predecessors, who were buried in three nested coffins — one made of cypress, one made of lead, and one made of elm — the famously humble Francis chose to be buried in a simple wooden coffin.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 26-Apr-25 21:26:44

Silly unfounded rumours uttb.
She’s got adult children hasn’t she?

She’s 25 years old than Emmanuel though. Crikey!

RosieandherMaw Sat 26-Apr-25 21:18:29

Usedtobeblonde

And has she transitioned as has been suggested?

Dreadful calumny!

RosieandherMaw Sat 26-Apr-25 21:17:43

FriedGreenTomatoes2

The coffin was lined with zinc. So heavy! That’s why there were so many pallbearers.

Could have been worse
Unlike his predecessors, who were buried in three nested coffins — one made of cypress, one made of lead, and one made of elm — the famously humble Francis chose to be buried in a simple wooden coffin - but as you say, lined with zinc though.

Usedtobeblonde Sat 26-Apr-25 21:17:41

Only asking!!

ixion Sat 26-Apr-25 21:14:57

Usedtobeblonde

And has she transitioned as has been suggested?

😱