Biden Struggles Through Vatican Funeral, Embarrassed Himself Smiling Selfies

Joe Biden’s appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City on Saturday drew renewed scrutiny over his physical condition and public behavior, after video footage showed the 82-year-old struggling to navigate stairs and appearing unsteady throughout the service.

Biden, who traveled to Saint Peter’s Square alongside his wife, Jill Biden, was seen relying heavily on assistance to manage a short flight of stairs.

At one point, he clutched the arm of an elderly priest while also leaning on the First Lady for support.

Joe Biden appears to need help navigating the steps. pic.twitter.com/CdkJHV7Y2q

— Ginger (@GingerOrichar) April 26, 2025

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The incident reignited long-standing concerns regarding Biden’s fitness, particularly after repeated assurances during his presidency that he was capable of serving additional time in office.

While Biden appeared in the back rows of the funeral service, President Donald Trump commanded attention in the front row, speaking with leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump shakes hands with Estonia’s President Alar Karis, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and France’s President Emmanuel Macron. pic.twitter.com/Gop201TFjl

— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) April 26, 2025

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The contrast between the two former rivals was noted by several observers as Trump moved confidently through the event, while Biden struggled visibly.

The funeral, held following Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, was a solemn occasion attended by world leaders and dignitaries.

However, Biden faced additional backlash online for his conduct during the gathering.

Social media users criticized him for taking selfies and smiling for photographs ahead of the funeral proceedings, with many condemning the behavior as inappropriate for the moment.

They are criticizing Trump for wearing a Navy blue suit to the Pontiff’s funeral when Biden was wearing navy also. Mr. Sharp as a tack, was also posing for selfies with people in the crowd and all smiles. Is that appropriate? pic.twitter.com/9WFWiOT6ye

— Doreen Linder (@DorLinder) April 26, 2025

“Absolutely tasteless!!!” one critic wrote online in reaction to images of Biden posing for photos with other mourners.

Biden grins as people take selfies with him at Pope Francis’ funeral pic.twitter.com/Jg0jBGyUcO

— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) April 26, 2025

The criticism mirrored earlier controversies involving Democratic leaders’ behavior at solemn occasions.

Observers pointed to a similar incident from 2013, when then-President Barack Obama was criticized for taking a smiling selfie with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service.

At the time, critics called the behavior disrespectful and poorly judged given the somber context.

Biden’s actions at Pope Francis’s funeral have drawn comparisons to that event, reinforcing concerns about the priorities and seriousness of Democratic leadership at high-profile, solemn occasions.

In addition to concerns about decorum, Biden’s physical frailty remains a topic of discussion.

Public appearances during and after his presidency have repeatedly fueled questions about his ability to fulfill the rigorous demands of national and international leadership.

Saturday’s scenes at the Vatican added to that conversation, as Biden’s difficulty with basic movements was on full display.

The former president’s conduct during the funeral comes at a time when Democratic Party figures have been forced to defend past decisions to continue backing Biden despite visible signs of decline.

YIKES! Axios’ Alex Thompson SCORCHES the media at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for covering up Biden’s lack of mental acuity.

The room was silent!

“President Biden’s decline and its cover up by the people around him is a reminder that every White House, regardless of… pic.twitter.com/srDfKz1Qwl

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 27, 2025

Meanwhile, Trump’s focus on projecting strength and leadership at the funeral appeared to resonate with attendees and observers alike.

As questions surrounding Biden’s fitness and public behavior continue to resurface, attention remains fixed on how Democrats will navigate leadership perceptions heading into future political battles.

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