Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome on Saturday after a solemn funeral that drew together politicians, royalty, and around 400,000 mourners from across the globe. The emotional farewell took place at St Peter’s Basilica and spilled into the packed streets of the Vatican City.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the service, paying tribute to Pope Francis as a leader who “touched minds and hearts” and spent his life urging humanity to “build bridges, not walls.” His message resonated deeply amid the historic gathering.
Among the dignitaries were US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William, who represented the British royal family. Their attendance highlighted the Pope’s wide-reaching influence.
In an unexpected moment of diplomacy, Trump and Zelensky held a private meeting inside St Peter’s Basilica shortly before the funeral began. The two leaders, who have had tense relations in the past, spoke for about fifteen minutes in what both sides described as a meaningful encounter.
Zelensky later shared that the meeting had “potential to become historic,” emphasizing that if they could achieve joint results, the conversation would mark a turning point. His head of office, Andriy Yermak, called the discussion “constructive” in a brief statement.
The Ukrainians released a striking image showing Trump and Zelensky deep in conversation alongside Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron, underscoring the significance of the talks. Observers suggested that European leaders may have helped facilitate the dialogue.
Following their meeting, Trump and Zelensky took their seats for the funeral, separated by several world leaders including Macron. The solemn service continued as thousands mourned the passing of a pontiff known for his relentless pursuit of peace and unity.
Applause rippled through parts of the crowd as Zelensky entered, a visible sign of support for Ukraine amid its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. Trump’s presence also drew notable attention given his recent claims that Russia and Ukraine are close to a peace deal.
After the funeral, Trump departed quickly, with his motorcade seen leaving the Vatican soon after the service concluded. Zelensky remained in Rome for additional meetings, including talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The funeral of Pope Francis became not only a farewell to a beloved religious figure but also an unexpected moment of diplomatic movement. Whether the Trump-Zelensky meeting will lead to substantive progress remains uncertain, but its timing and location gave it powerful symbolic weight.
As Pope Francis is laid to rest, his final call for bridge-building echoed through the Vatican and beyond, offering a reminder that even in moments of grief, the seeds of peace can still be planted.
