Biden relegated to back of world leaders section at pope's funeral: 'No longer part of cool kids club'
Former President Joe Biden attended the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, where he was seated away from current world leaders, reflecting his status as a former head of state. This seating arrangement led to various reactions on social media, with some commenting on Biden's perceived exclusion from the 'cool kids club'. Despite this, Biden was seen interacting with other mourners and taking selfies, maintaining a positive demeanor. Biden has met Pope Francis several times in the past and has praised him as a consequential leader who served the vulnerable and reached out to different faiths. Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 due to a cerebral stroke, had a profound impact on global religious and social issues during his papacy, which began in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope.
Joe Biden, no longer a sitting president, was seated at the back of the section for foreign dignitaries at Pope Francis' funeral, which sparked comments on social media about his diminished status.
Some social media users mocked Biden's position at the funeral, likening it to being excluded from an elite group and contrasting it with former President Trump's perceived prominence.
Despite the seating arrangement, Biden engaged positively with other attendees, taking selfies and smiling in photographs, reflecting his cordial participation in the event.
Biden has had a history of meetings with Pope Francis, including discussions on climate change, poverty, and ongoing global conflicts, highlighting his respect and connection to the pope.
Pope Francis, who was noted for his outreach to various faiths and commitment to the poor, passed away at 88 from a cerebral stroke, marking the end of a significant era in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis had dealt with health issues in the past, including pneumonia and having part of a lung removed, but continued to serve as a transformative leader until his passing.
Biden's tribute to Pope Francis emphasized the pope's role as a loving pastor and a challenging teacher, recognizing his contributions to addressing global issues and aiding the vulnerable.