Trump and Zelenskyy Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral and Discuss Collaboration
On April 26, 2025, President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met privately ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, as reported by the White House. The two leaders characterized their conversation as “very productive.”
Side Conversations and Diplomatic Dynamics
The governments of both Ukraine and the United States indicated that there might be further engagements planned. Additionally, President Zelenskyy met with other global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during the funeral proceedings.
Trump, alongside his wife Melania Trump, was among over 50 dignitaries in attendance, taking the opportunity to pay respects to the late pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke.
Reflections on the Late Pontiff
While President Trump had previously engaged in notable disagreements with Pope Francis on various issues including immigration and climate change, he expressed admiration for the Pope following his death. Trump referred to the Pope as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world,” ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
The pontiff had notably criticized Trump’s immigration policies in the past, which led to early tensions between the two. Nonetheless, Trump emphasized his attendance at the ceremony was to show “respect.”
Logistics of the Visit
Trump acknowledged the challenges of balancing formal engagements during such a somber occasion. He noted the potential for informal discussions but reflected, “It’s a little disrespectful to have meetings when you’re at the funeral of a pope.” Despite this, he indicated an intention to meet with key figures at Villa Taverna, the U.S. ambassador’s residence, where he stayed overnight.
Strategic Discussions on Global Issues
As he arrived in Rome, Trump utilized the visit to advocate for high-level discussions between Ukraine and Russia regarding a potential ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Interestingly, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading to expectations that both nations are “very close to a deal.”
Conclusion
In attendance were not only Trump and Zelenskyy but also various international leaders, signifying the global impact of Pope Francis. While Putin did not attend, the signals sent by the engagements highlight the continued importance of diplomacy and dialogue among world leaders.