The funeral of Pope Benedict XVI drew leaders and monarchs from numerous nations. Poland was represented by President Andrzej Duda, who performed a solitary, symbolic gesture by kneeling before the retired pope’s coffin. That moment sparked online debate and widespread discussion about decorum and symbolism.
READ ALSO:
—President Duda in the Vatican: Benedict XVI carried a powerful message for Poland about steadfast faith. He held a prominent role in the church.
— Poles in the Vatican prayed for the late pope; Senior Benedict’s legacy is honored by many.
— This is how Benedict XVI’s coffin was presented; the ceremony was private and not broadcast. VIDEO
President Duda’s symbolic gesture
In line with Benedict XVI’s wishes, two delegations—Italian and German—were officially present at the funeral. Other leaders attended in a personal capacity, underscoring that some representatives spoke for themselves rather than on behalf of their governments. A photograph circulated from the moment the coffin, bearing the late pope, was moved from St. Peter’s to the Vatican grottoes, showing President Duda as the sole head of state kneeling in tribute to Benedict XVI.
Fox: Taunts are out of place
The act of kneeling stirred strong emotions across social networks. Many expressed support for President Duda. Among notable voices was Tomasz Lis, who commented that while public figures can be criticized, the mockery of the kneeling gesture felt inappropriate given the solemn setting and the significance of Benedict XVI’s life and work.
“Symbols matter. The Polish president was the only one who knelt before Benedict XVI’s coffin. Huge respect to Andrzej Duda here,” one observer noted on social media, highlighting the gesture as a potent sign of reverence for a respected leader of the church.
Some described the act as more than a personal display of respect; they saw it as an eloquent expression of regard for a significant and influential figure in religious life and public service.
Sikorski: He mustn’t kneel
On the other side, Radosław Sikorski criticized the President’s choice, arguing on Twitter that while Duda attended the Vatican on state business, kneeling was not appropriate. He suggested that as a pilgrim, Duda might show personal piety, but his role as head of a secular state did not grant permission to kneel in that setting.
He was joined in this view by Krzysztof Mądel, a Jesuit known for speaking candidly on political matters. Mądel reminded readers that Benedict XVI was not an altar, adding that the moment should be understood within the context of state duties and personal piety alike.
Janusz Palikot also offered a critical take, saying that a country’s head of state should not perform kneeling as a state act, echoing the idea that kneeling is an act appropriate to individuals rather than official state representation.
It should be noted that, during the funeral ceremonies, only delegations from Italy and Germany were listed as official participants. Other heads of state attended in a personal capacity rather than in their official government roles. The coverage here reflects a mix of official protocol and personal tribute, as reported by various outlets at the time. [Citation: Vatican News; PAP; TT]