During the solemn funeral ceremonies of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, 2025, a moment involving Szymon Hołownia, the Marshal of the Sejm, sparked considerable controversy. As he walked out of St. Peter's Basilica, Hołownia was seen holding up his smartphone, seemingly to capture photographs or videos of the proceedings. This act drew sharp criticism across social media, where many commentators and political figures deemed it highly inappropriate given the gravity of the occasion.
Hołownia was part of the official Polish delegation, which included President Andrzej Duda and his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, as well as Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Minister of Defense. President Duda was notably seated directly behind U.S. President Donald Trump during the ceremony. The Polish delegation was among approximately 200,000 attendees, representing over 150 delegations from around the world, all gathered to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
Critics of Hołownia's actions were swift to voice their disapproval. Jacek Sasin, a former chief of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, remarked, "Complete lack of seriousness and sense of the moment. This is how the second person in the state represents Poland. Once again, he confuses the roles of the Marshal of the Polish Sejm and a TV presenter. Today, with the consequences of international embarrassment. And this man wants to be President!" Such sentiments echoed throughout social media platforms, where many users expressed their dismay.
Hołownia's behavior was further scrutinized by various political figures. Anna Zalewska, a Member of the European Parliament from the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), pointedly noted Hołownia's prior stance against smartphones in Polish schools, sarcastically stating, "Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia, an opponent of smartphones in Polish schools." Meanwhile, Tomasz Trela from the New Left party lamented, "Nearly 200,000 people and over 150 delegations bid farewell to Pope Francis, but that’s no reason to behave like a high school student on a trip. A bit of seriousness, Mr. Marshal."
In response to the backlash, Hołownia defended his actions, stating, "One must not be ashamed to document such a moment. I invited homeless individuals to the funeral, representing a group that Pope Francis had a special connection with. We pray, we experience, we document, and we will remember forever." He later shared images from the event on social media, asserting that they captured the essence of the gathering, which included many Polish citizens in mourning.
Janusz Sibora, an expert in diplomatic protocol, weighed in on the appropriateness of Hołownia's actions, asserting, "This ceremony requires special focus and reflection. In my opinion, it is not the right place to take photos. This is an awkwardness that should be avoided." His comments reflect a broader sentiment that many felt during the ceremony, where decorum and respect were paramount.
As the funeral unfolded, Hołownia's actions were not the only focal point. The event was marked by poignant tributes and reflections on Pope Francis's legacy, who passed away on Easter Monday. The pontiff was remembered for his compassionate outreach to the marginalized, something Hołownia attempted to honor by bringing homeless individuals to the ceremony.
However, the juxtaposition of Hołownia's smartphone usage against the backdrop of such a significant event led to a flurry of criticism. Adam Bielan, a prominent member of the ruling party, expressed his disbelief, stating, "Selfie with the Pope's funeral is just something Szymon Hołownia could come up with." Fellow politician Adam Andruszkiewicz echoed this sentiment, lamenting, "Look at what Hołownia is doing at the Pope's funeral, where he went to represent Poland. A drama!"
Despite the criticism, Hołownia continued to share his perspective on social media, emphasizing the importance of documenting the event. He stated, "For those interested, I attach proof of what is most important today: the Vatican full of mourners, including many of our compatriots." His insistence on the need to document the moment reflects a generational divide in how public figures engage with significant events.
The incident has ignited discussions about the role of social media in public life, particularly during solemn occasions. Many observers are questioning whether personal documentation in such contexts is respectful or if it detracts from the gravity of the moment.
As Poland approaches its presidential elections, scheduled for May 18 and June 1, the implications of Hołownia's actions could resonate beyond this single event. With 13 candidates vying for the presidency, including Hołownia himself, the public's perception of his character and judgment may play a crucial role in the electoral landscape.
In the aftermath, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance public figures must maintain between personal expression and the expectations of decorum, particularly in moments of collective mourning. The reactions to Hołownia's smartphone moment highlight the ongoing cultural conversation about respect, representation, and the evolving nature of public life in the age of social media.
