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President Trump held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy prior to the funeral of Pope Francis, with the White House describing the discussion as “very productive.” Further details from the meeting are expected to be released in due course.
On Saturday, Mr. Trump was among over 50 global leaders and dignitaries attending the papal funeral, paying his respects to the pontiff, who often clashed with him on numerous issues.
During the ceremony, he briefly interacted with Britain’s Prince William, as reported by BBC News.
Trump arrived at the Vatican accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. When Zelenskyy reached the venue, the audience responded with applause.
During his flight to Rome, Mr. Trump expressed to reporters his intention to attend the funeral “out of respect” for Pope Francis, who passed away due to a stroke at the age of 88.
The late pontiff was notably critical of Trump’s policies surrounding immigration, migrant treatment, and climate change. Their relationship was contentious from the start, especially regarding Trump’s immigration stance. In 2016, Francis, referencing Trump’s “Build the wall” campaign slogan, stated that those who build barriers to restrict migrants are “not Christian.” Trump described this remark as “disgraceful.”
Despite their disagreements, after the pope’s death, Trump characterized him as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world,” and he ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in his memory.
Prior to his departure from Washington, Mr. Trump mentioned plans for several meetings with international counterparts on the funeral’s sidelines. However, he later downplayed this idea during his flight, implying that it might be seen as disrespectful to engage in discussions at such a solemn event. Nonetheless, he stated he would still connect with various dignitaries.
Trump did not clarify whether his interactions with other leaders would be formal meetings or casual encounters but hinted at the possibility of discussions at the U.S. ambassador’s residence, Villa Taverna, where he planned to stay overnight. He admitted that time constraints would make extensive meetings challenging, as he intended to return to the U.S. shortly after the funeral.
Discussing his ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Trump stated he would seek to engage “important” figures during the visit. He had recently advocated for “very high level talks” between Ukraine and Russia to address the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion, claiming both nations were nearing a potential agreement. Zelenskyy attended the funeral alongside his wife, Olena Zelenska, while Putin was not present.
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