See the moment that Trump and Macron shake hands

CNN - Apr 26th, 2025
Open on CNN

During the funeral of Pope Francis, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shared a notable moment by shaking hands during the Sign of Peace. This gesture, part of a rite that symbolizes peace, communion, and charity, involved participants turning to those around them with the phrase, 'Peace be with you.' This interaction between Trump and Macron, two prominent global leaders, highlights a moment of unity and respect amid a solemn occasion attended by many dignitaries from around the world.

The handshake at such a significant event underscores the importance of diplomacy and maintaining cordial relations between nations, especially during times of mourning and reflection. The presence of high-profile leaders like Trump and Macron at Pope Francis' funeral also emphasizes the global impact of the Pope's work and legacy. This event serves as a reminder of the role of religious and state leaders in fostering international peace and collaboration, even in the face of political differences and global challenges.

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RATING

4.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story suffers from significant factual inaccuracies, notably the incorrect claim of Pope Francis' funeral and the involvement of Donald Trump as President. These foundational errors severely undermine the article's accuracy and credibility. While the language and structure are clear, the lack of reliable sources, context, and transparency further detract from its quality. The story's potential for public interest and impact is limited by its inaccuracies, reducing its relevance and engagement potential. Overall, the article highlights the importance of fact-checking and source verification in news reporting to maintain credibility and reliability.

RATING DETAILS

4
Accuracy

The story reports that US President Donald Trump shook hands with French President Emmanuel Macron at Pope Francis' funeral, during the Sign of Peace. However, significant inaccuracies are present. Firstly, Pope Francis is not deceased, making the context of the funeral incorrect. Secondly, Donald Trump is no longer the US President, adding another layer of inaccuracy. The claim about the handshake during the Sign of Peace is plausible within a Catholic Mass context, but given the fundamental errors regarding the event and participants, the story's accuracy is severely compromised. These discrepancies highlight the need for fact-checking and verification of key details such as the event's nature and the individuals involved.

5
Balance

The story primarily focuses on the interaction between Trump and Macron without delving into broader perspectives or providing additional context. It lacks a balanced representation of viewpoints, such as the significance of the Sign of Peace within Catholic traditions or the broader diplomatic implications of such gestures among world leaders. The article could benefit from including perspectives on the historical relationship between the two leaders or the political context of their countries. The lack of these perspectives results in a somewhat imbalanced presentation, focusing narrowly on a specific interaction without exploring its wider implications.

6
Clarity

The language and structure of the article are straightforward, making it easy to follow. However, the presence of factual inaccuracies detracts from its overall clarity. While the article clearly describes the event and the actions of the individuals involved, the incorrect context and details can lead to confusion among readers. The tone remains neutral, but the lack of accurate information and context affects the clarity of the story's message and its reliability.

3
Source quality

The story does not cite any sources or provide attributions for its claims, which significantly undermines its credibility. Reliable news articles typically reference official statements, eyewitness accounts, or credible reports to substantiate their claims. The absence of such references in this story raises questions about the reliability of the information presented. Furthermore, the inaccuracies regarding the event and participants suggest a lack of authoritative sources, which is crucial for ensuring the article's credibility and reliability.

2
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several key areas. It does not provide any context or explanation for its claims, such as why the handshake at the Sign of Peace is newsworthy or what the implications of such an event might be. There is no disclosure of the methodology used to gather information or any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the impartiality of the reporting. The absence of these elements makes it difficult for readers to understand the basis of the claims or assess the article's impartiality.

Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emium5zGuWE
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkdEdwWMp24
  3. https://www.thv11.com/article/news/nation-world/president-trump-seated-front-row-pope-francis-funeral-blue-suit/507-90526a0d-1256-4682-9aaa-ef37526c8883
  4. https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-gets-called-out-in-front-of-millions-at-popes-funeral/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r42nqgr3VEY