Criticism of Söder Following Selfie Before Papal Memorial Service

In the wake of the passing of Pope Francis, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder has come under fire for posting a selfie with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before attending the memorial service in Vatican City. The post, which included a smiling image of the two leaders, sparked backlash as many labeled it inappropriate for the solemn occasion.

Söder shared his location on social media, stating he had just arrived in Rome and was heading to the Vatican for the memorial. However, the light-hearted nature of the selfie did not sit well with several observers. Politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the FDP expressed her discontent, suggesting that such selfies at a funeral could be seen as lacking dignity. She remarked that the event should not be compared to a festive gathering like Oktoberfest.

Another critic, Dietmar Bartsch from the Left party, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the mood conveyed by the image seemed overly cheerful for a memorial service. A wave of online users also criticized the post, deeming it tactless in the context of mourning a global religious leader.

Upon arriving in Rome, Söder continued to share updates about the memorial service, posting several photos and reflecting on the touching atmosphere at St. Peter's Square. He expressed how moving it was to see so many people gathering to honor Pope Francis, both in the Vatican and around the world.

The criticism of Söder's social media behavior extended even within his own political circles. Dennis Radtke, the head of the Christian Democratic Workers' Association (CDA), commented on the situation, suggesting that Söder's approach trivialized the gravity of the event. He accused the Prime Minister of reducing serious political moments to mere spectacles, remarking that such actions contribute to a broader perception of political events being less credible.

Former North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Armin Laschet also weighed in, indirectly referencing Söder's actions without naming him. He emphasized the importance of the gathering of world leaders in Rome and the significance of the religious context, contrasting it with the superficiality of the selfie culture.

Following the memorial, Söder shared a reflective video on Instagram, describing the day as a deeply emotional experience. He highlighted the duality of mourning and gratitude, recognizing the positive impact that Pope Francis had on the world.

Among the German delegation in Rome were Söder and Steinmeier, alongside Olaf Scholz, the acting Chancellor. Notably absent from the memorial was the CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to succeed Scholz as Chancellor.