On April 26, 2025, a Polish delegation attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, led by President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda. The delegation also included Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. However, it was Hołownia's behavior that attracted significant attention and criticism during the solemn occasion.
President Duda was seated in the second row, directly behind U.S. President Donald Trump, as they paid their respects at one of the most significant funerals in recent history, which gathered delegations from over 130 countries, including 50 world leaders, monarchs, and politicians like Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William.
As the ceremony unfolded, Szymon Hołownia was seen raising his phone above the crowd to capture images of the event. This act quickly became a focal point for media scrutiny and public commentary, particularly on social media platforms. Critics were quick to label his actions as inappropriate for the occasion, which called for solemnity and respect.
Janusz Sibora, an expert on diplomatic protocol, expressed his disapproval, stating, "This ceremony requires particular focus and reflection. In my opinion, it is not the right place to take photos. This is an awkwardness to be avoided." His sentiments echoed the feelings of many who viewed Hołownia's actions as a breach of decorum.
Public reaction was swift and harsh. Social media users flooded platforms with comments, many mocking Hołownia's apparent lack of seriousness. Kacper Klonowski remarked, "Z TVNu człowiek wyjdzie ale TVN z człowieka nie," while Kacper Kwiatkowski added, "Nie ma jak fotka na pogrzebie? Słabe," both criticizing the appropriateness of taking photos at such a momentous event.
Radosław Piwowarczyk, a journalist, went further, suggesting that Hołownia should have taken a selfie by the coffin, stating, "Second most important person in the state behaves worse than an Instagram influencer. 'Embarrassment' is an understatement."
In response to the backlash, Hołownia defended his actions on social media, clarifying that his intention was to document the moment rather than seek self-promotion. He stated, "It takes a lack of shame to turn a moment like this into a political war. At the pope's funeral, I invited people in a homelessness crisis on the plane. They are representatives of the group that Francis helped in a special way. We pray, experience, document, and will remember forever." His comments aimed to highlight the importance of the event and the inclusion of marginalized individuals.
Despite his defense, public sentiment remained divided. Some viewed his actions as a minor faux pas, while others saw it as a serious lapse in judgment for someone who aspires to be the president of Poland. Marta Rodzik, an image-building expert, weighed in, stating, "Taking photos during a funeral ceremony is a terrible faux pas. Such behavior is perceived as a lack of respect for the deceased pope and sends the wrong message to others." She added that this incident could negatively impact Hołownia's presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, members of the political opposition and even some allies expressed their disappointment. Andrzej Zapałowski from the Confederation criticized Hołownia's behavior, saying, "Hołownia at the funeral behaves like at the beach. The current coalition has such candidates."
Tomasz Trela from the Left party echoed this sentiment, urging Hołownia to act with more gravity, stating, "Nearly 200,000 people and over 150 delegations are saying goodbye to Pope Francis, but that is not a reason to behave like a high school student on a trip. A little seriousness, Mr. Marshal."
The incident sparked a broader discussion about decorum and respect in public life, particularly among those vying for high office. Critics pointed out that Hołownia, who often emphasizes his sensitivity to ethical and social issues, should have been more mindful of the symbolic nature of his actions, especially in such a significant context.
As the funeral concluded, images of the crowd mourning at St. Peter's Square circulated widely, with many expressing their sorrow and respect for the late pope. Hołownia's actions, however, overshadowed the solemnity of the occasion, leading to a wave of criticism that could linger as he continues his political career.
Ultimately, the funeral of Pope Francis served not only as a moment of reflection and mourning for many but also as a reminder of the importance of decorum in public life. As political figures navigate their roles and responsibilities, incidents like this highlight the scrutiny they face and the expectations placed upon them by the public.
