Donald Trump called 'total disgrace' at Pope's funeral after being caught doing 'rude' act

Donald Trump is among the world leaders who have travelled to Rome to attend Pope Francis' funeral service, but the US president has been branded a 'total disgrace' after being caught doing something 'rude'

Donald Trump has been slammed as a "total disgrace" after he was spotted messing about with his mobile phone and chewing gum during Pope Francis' funeral service in Rome.

The former US president was among the global leaders who made their way to Rome, joining figures such as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William.

Over 200,000 individuals also gathered in St Peter's Square to pay their last respects to the Pope, who died on Monday.

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Trump has already drawn criticism for wearing a blue suit instead of the customary black and for admitting that his attendance was motivated by the votes of Catholic supporters.

Now, he's been caught on camera fidgeting with his phone and chewing gum while others are solemnly engaged with the ongoing service.

An online commenter expressed their dismay, saying: "Total disgrace. Selfinvite. Blue suit. Hating the pope and now attending his funeral.

"Pretending to be a (very recent) super Christian but having no morals and don't know what easter is about. And signalling during the service. Total embarrassment.", reports the Mirror.

Another added their voice to the criticism: "Wearing blue, not black. On his phone at the Pope's funeral. I'm an atheist, but even I show respect for the dead. What a f****** s*******."

One onlooker expressed their dismay, saying: "Texting from the front row at a funeral...the ultimate disrespect and rudeness from the President of America."

In another video captured at the event, it's seen that the President inserted a stick of chewing gum into his mouth, an act caught in full view by the global press.

The ceremony started with a service held at St Peter's Basilica, followed by a procession set to transfer the Pope's remains to St Mary Major—this is a church the late Pontiff often visited.

He chose to be laid to rest there in a notably less ornate tomb than the papal grottoes under St Peter's, which house the remains of 91 Popes past.

In a more modest fashion fitting of his wishes, the Pope will be interred in a plain wooden casket, forgoing the opulent triple-coffin traditionally used.

Pope Francis' impassioned pleas for peace echoed throughout his own funeral service, as heads of state from around the world, including President Trump and Ukraine's President Zelensky, were seen convening inside St Peter's Basilica prior to the commencement of the solemn requiem mass.

The in-person meeting was the first since their heated confrontation in the White House at the end of February. In one photo, the presidents were seen seated, leaning towards each other in conversation, while another image captured them speaking with Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Zelensky received applause from the crowd as he emerged from the basilica to take his seat for the mass.