Szymon Hołownia’s conduct at Pope Francis’s funeral has sparked a storm in Polish media. A single photo from the Vatican was enough to ignite debate over solemnity, symbolism and the limits of politicians’ presence at such exceptional ceremonies.
Szymon Hołownia at Pope Francis's funeral – what happened?
During the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican, Szymon Hołownia – Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland – was photographed holding up his phone and taking a picture of the crowd of mourners in St. Peter’s Square. The photo quickly spread across social media, and opposition politicians and internet users accused Hołownia of lacking seriousness and disregarding the gravity of the moment.
Criticism and heated debate
The photo of Hołownia triggered a broad wave of comments – from ironic posts by MEP Anna Zalewska, to comparisons with a schoolchild on a class trip, to strong words about “shame before the whole world”. Critics pointed to the politician’s earlier initiatives to limit smartphone use in schools, which fuelled accusations of hypocrisy. Some commentators compared the marshal’s behaviour to that of influencers, suggesting he lacked a sense of the moment and of solemnity.
Szymon Hołownia's response
Szymon Hołownia did not leave the accusations unanswered. In his social media posts, he explained that he had invited people experiencing homelessness to join his delegation to the papal funeral – a group to which Pope Francis devoted particular attention. He stressed that they prayed together, experienced the ceremony and documented it so that these moments would be remembered. Hołownia added that turning the photo into a political storm at such a moment was out of place.
Documenting important moments
Modern ceremonies – even the most solemn ones – are increasingly documented by those taking part. Taking photos at funerals or other important events is no longer rare, although it provokes mixed feelings. For some it is a way of preserving memories; for others, it is a lack of respect for tradition and the gravity of the moment.
Hołownia not alone? Other politicians also took photos
It is worth noting that Szymon Hołownia was not the only politician who documented the papal funeral with a phone. Similar photos were published online by, among others, Michał Wójcik of Sovereign Poland (Suwerenna Polska) and Roman Giertych of the Civic Coalition (Koalicja Obywatelska). However, it was the Marshal of the Sejm who became the main figure of the media storm.
List of politicians who took photos during the funeral:
- Szymon Hołownia (Third Way)
- Michał Wójcik (Sovereign Poland)
- Roman Giertych (Civic Coalition)
The limits of presence and modern customs
Szymon Hołownia’s conduct at Pope Francis’s funeral has become a symbol of the dispute over where the line lies between documenting important moments and maintaining solemnity. In the age of social media, even gestures of personal significance can become a nationwide debate. It is worth remembering that the assessment of such situations depends not only on intentions, but also on social expectations of public figures.
Hołownia, responding to the criticism, chose candour and emphasised his intentions – but will that be enough to calm the emotions? Time will tell whether Polish politics learns to distinguish between documenting history and creating it.
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