Was Donald Trump sleeping at Pope Francis' funeral? Viral photos spark debate

Several photos appearing to show US President Donald Trump sleeping during Pope Francis' funeral in Rome went viral on social media on Saturday, fuelling online debate and criticism.

Trump, 78, was seated in the front row alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the ceremony. Soon after proceedings began, social media users circulated images suggesting Trump had dozed off, showing him with his eyes closed.

1) “Sleepy Joe”, the MAGA said. Trump falls asleep and snores at the pope’s funeral. But let’s see more evidence of Sleepy Don next⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aCP8phvGxP

— Jack’s House 🇺🇦Radio Free NAFO (@FluteMagician) April 26, 2025

"Trump sleeping at the Pope's funeral. An embarrassment, as always," one user posted on X. Another commented, "I don’t ever want to hear another word about 'Sleepy Joe' — not after this circus. 🤡 There are photos of Trump texting, laughing, taking phone calls, and sleeping at the Pope’s funeral," attaching a compilation of images.

I don’t ever want to hear another word about “Sleepy Joe” — not after this circus.🤡

There are photos of Trump texting, laughing, taking phone calls, and sleeping at the Pope’s funeral.

He even demanded to be moved to the first row — because he knew the cameras would be on him pic.twitter.com/sEFUV3CCH4

— Michelleann Smith (@MichelleannSmi8) April 26, 2025

"Trump showed respect for the Pope by texting, sleeping and not following the dress code. He represents MAGA so well! Haha," another user tweeted.

Trump showed respect for the Pope by texting, sleeping and not following the dress code. He represents MAGA so well! Haha pic.twitter.com/C9yxEZHS1F

— Nancy (@nlst50) April 26, 2025

Seating arrangements placed Trump and Melania between Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Spain’s King Felipe VI, while other world leaders, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were seated further back. The Vatican had organised guests largely by country names listed alphabetically in French.

Despite the viral criticism, Trump also shared moments from the funeral on his Truth Social platform, posting images of himself standing solemnly before Pope Francis' coffin. Earlier that day, Trump held a one-on-one meeting with Zelenskyy — their first encounter since a tense exchange at the White House in February.

Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, Trump posted, "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days." He added, "It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?' Too many people are dying!!!"

Meanwhile, in response to the viral Trump images, several X users began sharing old compilations of former President Joe Biden appearing to fall asleep at various public events.

Watch: Trump caught sleeping at the Pope’s funeral…

Oops, my bad — that was actually Biden, at a bunch of different world events! pic.twitter.com/EgmfnPJwKS

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) April 26, 2025