The recent funeral of Pope Francis was overshadowed by a bizarre media frenzy—not over his legacy or the message of his papacy, but over which world leaders wore black suits versus dark blue. This trivial controversy exposes two glaring truths: first, that the gathering of political figures was little more than a hollow photo opportunity, and second, that contemporary journalism has sunk to embarrassing depths. 

With the ”blue suit scandal” along with many other reports on how women were dressed, the press reduced a solemn occasion to a fashion critique, rather than focusing on the spiritual significance of the event. It’s a damning indictment of modern media, were superficial spectacle trumps substance. Meanwhile, the presence of world leaders proves their attendance was mere political theater.

If the most discussed aspect of a global leader’s funeral is the shade of a politician’s suit, then the event was nothing but a staged farce. True mourning and reflection were lost in the noise of meaningless distractions.

janus