JUST IN:Melania Trump’s appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral sparks intense debate over her attire Photos of her outfit have gone viral — and people can’t stop arguing about whether it was respectful or out of line Full story and reactions are below

Melania Trump’s appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral sparks intense debate over her attire Photos of her outfit have gone viral — and people can’t stop arguing about whether it was respectful or out of line Full story and reactions are below

As Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people bid him farewell, including Melania Trump and Donald Trump.

As per his final desires, Francis, the 12-year pope, became the first pope in almost a century to be buried outside the Vatican. In contrast, Donald Trump attracted notice for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he chose to wear blue rather than black. However, Melania maintained a more conventional look, though her veil became a topic of conversation.

On April 21, Pope Francis, who served as pope for 12 years, died. He was buried on Saturday after being laid in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners could say their final goodbyes. Many people applauded Pope Jorge Bergoglio, who was born in Argentina, for his progressive views on the future of the Catholic Church.

Furthermore, Francis had no desire to be regarded as a wealthy or influential individual. Following his election, Francis chose to live in a modest two-room apartment in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, which is often used for visitors, rather than the opulent papal palace on the top floor of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. Additionally, he turned down the Catholic Church’s $32,000 monthly compensation.

Pope Francis finally died at the age of 88 after battling a number of health problems in his last years. In a step that had not occurred in 600 years, Benedict XVI, his predecessor, genuinely resigned from office. However, Francis never thought about such possibility.

“Maybe if the day comes when my health can go no further,” he told CBS. “Perhaps because the only infirmity I have is in my knee, and that is getting much better. But it never occurred to me.”

Francis considered his life and the prospect of resigning in the 2024 book Life: My Story Through History, authored by Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona. In that instance, he clarified that he would refer to himself as “bishop of Rome emeritus” instead than “pope emeritus,” in contrast to Pope Benedict XVI. He said that instead of residing at the Vatican, he would dwell in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome “to serve as a confessor and give Communion to the sick.”

Pope Francis dead at 88
“Fortunately, I have never thought of resigning, despite moments of difficulty,” Pope Francis said in the book. “Some people may have hoped that sooner or later, perhaps after a stay in the hospital, I might make an announcement of that kind, but there is no risk of it: thanks be to God, I enjoy good health, and as I have said, there are many projects to bring to fruition, God willing.”

Prior to his funeral on Saturday, Pope Francis lay in state for three days, and over 250,000 people attended. During the liturgy in St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Giovanni Battista stated that Francis was a man who “touched minds and hearts” and that his goal was to “build bridges, not walls.”

Prince William, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald and Melania Trump, and many other international leaders, royals, and dignitaries attended the service.

As Pope Francis was moved in procession to his final resting place—which, shockingly, wasn’t in the Vatican—an estimated 400,000 mourners took to the streets of Rome. Francis left detailed instructions in his will on his preferred burial location and style.

“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial. I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” Francis wrote.

Donald and Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral
“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care. I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.”

Francis continued, “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus. The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.”

As previously stated, Melania and Donald Trump were present at the funeral. Donald Trump’s decision to not wear black to the burial drew a lot of criticism, with some calling it disrespectful.

Melania, on the other hand, attended the service dressed entirely in black. The ensemble was by the Italian designer brand Dolce & Gabbana, according to Women’s Wear Daily. The First Lady wore a black mantilla, black gloves, and a double-breasted coat. Melania has worn Dolce & Gabbana multiple times in the past, suggesting that the Italian fashion behemoth is a favored option for her.

“She’s always had a great relationship with Dolce & Gabbana. She is a very faithful person and has been wearing their outfits for a long time. It made sense to chose them given the place of religion in Italian culture,” photographer Régine Mahaux told WWD.

Significant detail in Melania Trump’s outfit
In addition to her black attire, Melania showed her respect by donning a lace funeral veil, commonly referred to as a Mantilla veil. The Catholic faith is the driving force behind the Mantilla. It is “often worn by faithful women as a way of emulating Mary, who is the archetype of humility,” according to the Catholic Company. The mantilla furthermore “represents the role of women as a life-bearing vessel.”

During Pope Francis’s burial liturgy, Melania was observed paying her respects by repeatedly closing her eyes. Many people applauded her for wearing the veil after noticing it online.

“Ultimate class and reverence, Melania Trump wearing a Mantilla Veil,” one user wrote on X, per Express, while a second added, “Melania was perfect this time by wearing black and a mantilla.”

A third stated, “First Lady Melania Trump honored Pope Francis with a stunning black lace veil and elegant attire at his funeral, reflecting her deep appreciation for the moment. Her attire not only paid homage to her own Catholic faith but also echoed the iconic style of Jacqueline Kennedy, making it a significant fashion statement.”

Why did Melania wear 8-inch heels to the pope’s funeral? Not appropriate. These people have zero class,” the person wrote.

‘Body-double’ conspiracy about Melania Trump resurface
Naturally, Saturday was a day of sadness, but it was also a day of celebration for the First Lady. Melania Trump turned 55 on April 26. Donald Trump made the preparations public the day before the burial.

“I’ll take her to dinner on the Boeing, I’ll take her for dinner on Air Force One,” he told reporters. “I haven’t had much time to buy presents. I’ve been pretty busy. But it’s working out. People are starting to understand how good tariffs are … for us.”

Numerous images and videos of Donald Trump and Melania Trump traveling to Rome were widely shared on social media. The idea that Melania Trump has a body double is one recurring motif or conspiracy theory.

Last week, when the X account “Call to Activism” shared a video of Melania and Donald making their way to their helicopter just before leaving the US for Rome, the ridiculous notion reappeared. “What do you notice about the way Trump and Melania just walked to the helicopter today?” was the caption for the video.

Many people left comments on the photo, some of whom thought it might not be the First Lady herself but rather an impostor wearing Melania’s shoes.

“Melania never wears flat shoes either… I’m betting that this is the fake body double Melania because the real Melania did not want to have to go and stay with Trump overseas for the entire trip,” one person wrote.

Body language expert says it’s “unlikely”
Another user simply said: “Fake Melania,” while a third stated, “Look at her face That’s NOT Melania.”

What is true, therefore, and what is not? Dr. Beth Dawson, a body language expert, talked about the body double conspiracy in an interview with the Mirror.

“The notion of her body double gained traction after certain public events where some observers noted differences in Melania’s appearance, such as changes in facial features or mannerisms. Everything is possible, but it’s unlikely,” Dawson said. “These theories often have little to no credible evidence and are largely based on anecdotal observations or selective interpretations of photos and videos.”

The body language expert added, “People also tend to think they know people in the public eye, but the reality is very different. The public cannot really know what’s going on in Melania’s private life. The reason people speculate is very much linked to themes such as authenticity and public representation. And especially in this era of AI where things can be easily manipulated, the public is wary and sceptical.”

“Like everyone, Melania Trump has naturally aged since she became a public figure,” Dr. Beth Dawson concluded. “Changes in skin, hair, and facial contours are normal as people grow older, and these changes can impact one’s overall appearance. The use of makeup, hair styling, and fashion choices can significantly alter a person’s appearance. High-profile individuals often work with professional makeup artists and stylists who create looks that may differ from what one would normally see in casual settings