During the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a brief but significant meeting, marking their first face-to-face encounter since a contentious Oval Office exchange in February.
A Brief Yet Productive Meeting
The two leaders met privately for approximately 15 minutes inside the Vatican, ahead of the funeral service. Both sides described the discussion as “very productive,” with plans to continue negotiations later that day.
Focus on Peace Efforts
The meeting centered on efforts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. President Trump expressed frustration with recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, which resulted in civilian casualties, and hinted at the possibility of imposing tougher measures, such as secondary sanctions. 
President Zelenskyy emphasized the hope for a full ceasefire and lasting peace, describing the dialogue as potentially historic if joint results are achieved.
Symbolic Setting
The meeting’s setting—during a solemn religious ceremony attended by numerous global dignitaries—underscored the gravity of the discussions. The funeral itself was attended by over 250,000 mourners and featured a homily by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Looking Ahead
While the meeting did not result in immediate policy changes, it signaled a potential shift in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Both leaders expressed a willingness to continue dialogue, with the aim of achieving a sustainable peace agreement.
The encounter at Pope Francis’s funeral highlighted the complex interplay of international diplomacy, even amidst solemn occasions, and offered a glimmer of hope for renewed efforts toward peace.
