On Wednesday, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The funeral was attended by many dignitaries, including Pope Francis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, one notable absence was President Joe Biden. During an awkward exchange with a reporter ahead of his trip to Kentucky, Biden gave an explanation as to why he could not attend the funeral.
The Exchange with a Reporter
During the exchange between President Biden and EWTN’s Owen Jensen, Jensen asked the president why he was not attending the funeral. Instead of answering directly, Biden responded with “Why do you think?” When pressed for an answer, Biden explained that it would take an entourage of a thousand people to show up and that this would move everything in the wrong direction.
The Impact of Not Attending
The president’s decision not to attend has been met with mixed reactions from people around the world. Some have argued that there is no need for such a large entourage when attending a funeral, while others have suggested that it is disrespectful for someone in his position not to attend such an event. Regardless of opinion on this matter, what remains true is that President Biden’s absence will likely be noted by observers around the globe as a sign of respect or disrespect toward Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his legacy.
President Joe Biden’s decision not to attend Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral has sparked debate among people worldwide. While some feel his choice was respectful due to health concerns related to Covid-19 and other possible reasons, others see it as disrespectful given his position and power within society. Whatever your opinion on this matter may be, we can all agree that President Joe Biden’s absence will be remembered for years to come as either a sign of respect or disrespect towards Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his legacy.